Santa Maria Community Pride 2016 by Santa Maria Times

SANTA MARIA TIMES

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2016 |

City of Santa Maria

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PRIDE

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF CITY OF SANTA MARIA

The City of Santa Maria is a multimillion dollar operation that has an annual budget of over $186 million, employs over 700 employees, and takes great pride in the entrepreneurial spirit that they bring to the municipal services and programs that serve the residents and businesses in the Santa Maria Valley.

| FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2016

SANTA MARIA TIMES

Serving the community is the Santa Maria Way for Mayor Patino

A LETTER FROM

o n i t a P e c i l A r o y Ma

LOGAN B. ANDERSON landerson@leecentralcoastnews.com

Dear Santa Marians: long been known As you all know, Santa Maria has ations and aniz org , uals ivid for its many giving ind out one anhelp and r the toge e com t tha businesses on is what rati abo coll other. This type of caring and there is a d ken wee ry Eve for. wn Santa Maria is kno mucom the and , benefit BBQ or a benefit auction se less tho s help and e plat nity always steps up to the fortunate. nt is a great The recent Serve Santa Maria Eve ing out to com ers nte volu of example of hundreds ir out the neighbors. beautify the City and even help eagues on the City coll In fact, I along with all of my and we all took nt, eve this at Council helped out ilies and groups of great pride in seeing entire fam ther to help make toge ing neighbors and friends com ers. And it’s this kinthe difference in the lives of oth collaboration that dred spirit of volunteerism and to live, work, and e plac t grea a makes Santa Maria play. this spirit of coThe City of Santa Maria also has collaborates City The on. rati abo operation and coll l agencies loca of Mayor Alice Patino on a routine basis with a number and ts ofi -pr non from ey Vall for them. In fact, all of our new within the Santa Maria profit (the tax payer) to pay forand ate ary, our priv to ns, atio aniz faith-based org s, our youth center, our public libr rt City responsive to fire station e-a this f-th e e-o mak to stat ort new eff an our n in s eve ncie age . As transit center, and nity mu com the ng re ngi befo cha for and g paid the needs of a growin ion were all built and resident, I have seen police stat pretty a third-generation Santa Maria walked through those doors – a son per rst fi and I have seen our . a lot of changes over the years, feat ble ll agricultural based remarka re, there’s City grow from a relatively sma ever, setting our sights on the futu Maria. How . area ty oun bi-c the in ta city San in est e larg her the ing to pen nity hap commu a lot of good things dents, we have t along men elop dev cial mer com Being a City of over 100,000 resi and il reta of late; however, both A new newer and bigweathered many challenges as hway 101 is designed to bring us Hig se the ed ress add e hav a new park, staff ool, City sch and new a ncil s, Cou ant aur City the ger retailers, rest in s blem pro the d ore growing ign our e not e dat to accommo challenges. We hav ed what the and more housing tifi iden e hav we er, rath ; nity our commu nity. the problems we’ve commu asked staff issues are in an effort to resolve ition, the City Council has also add In our h wit vely rati our for abo coll elds fi ked cer wor faced and have to look into securing more soc s – and that’s tion e to solu tinu nd fi con to as l rs wel tne as , par use nity to s commu soccer enthusiast mexa nt rece A . act cial spe attr to nity ce mer what makes our commu work with the Chamber of Com e by the don g New bein s. tly one ren ting cur k exis in wor reta the ple of this is inesses and help means spearheaded by the new bus up turn inGro ch ion whi Act , jobs nity mu new to Com ate One businesses equ t. tric Dis ool Sch h Hig on Uni Santa Maria Joint ortunities for everyone. t has an interest in new opp a lot hapThis is a community group tha have a lot to look forward to and we So and e enc viol th ntown you in Dow e our new addressing the recent spik pening in Santa Maria. In fact, s to plan on acti ing Center n ulat Tow at form nt and s Eve is generating idea Friday Night Farmers Market of ch safer place for lot a mu h a wit s nity ces mu suc com ous our e end mak help West has been a trem rinte one e any hav ’t age don our enc you if ld vities for all. So our local youth. I wou tact Assis- great food and acti con to s out e ting com mee uld se sho the ng you ndi ested in atte on Friday nights, of the High School any plans ul Central tant Superintendent Peter Flores y a fun-filled night on the beautif enjo and e to 7. Hop nt. 420 Eve ext. 73 rket District at 922-45 Coast at our next Farmers Ma great pride take all uld sho we t tha g thin r Anothe there! ALICE M. PATINO does, is the fact that see you in, and I know the City Council lMayor of Santa Maria faci City l ena nom phe tty pre e som we have built have to ask you ities over the years, and we didn’t

About the All-America City Designation Santa Maria was named as an All-America City on June 20, 1998 – one of only 10 cities from across the nation to receive this coveted designation that year. This is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected community recognition programs. Being an A l l -A m e r i c a City does not mean that we have a perfect city. Rather, it means that the city has been recognized for taking a proactive approach to addressing neighborhood issues or community problems. The All-America City Award, sponsored by the National Civic League, recognizes exemplary grassroots community problem-solving and is awarded to

communities of all sizes that collaboratively tackle challenges and achieve results. The designation honors the way people care for their community and take responsibility for their future. It recognizes partnerships and progress, creativity and collaboration, perseverance and pride. The City’s application for this award focused on the diverse of our community, the many needs of our children, and the positive effects local programs such as the Santa Maria-Bonita School District’s Healthy Start Program, Los Adobes de Maria housing complex, and Peace Week 1997 had on the community. In detail: 1. HEALTHY START PROGRAM: The school district, working with medical, social services and law enforcement communities, initiated the Healthy Start Program. This program addresses nutrition, education,

safety and health concerns. Volunteer dental professionals conduct clinics to end children’s pain. English and literacy classes for parents connect them to local agencies to meet their needs. Compounding our educational challenges, the school district has the largest group of Mixteco students outside of Mexico. 2. LOS ADOBES DE MARIA: The affordable apartment complex with on-site facilities offers residents a chance to overcome cultural barriers and attain upward mobility. The can attend citizenship, literacy, and financial planning classes. 3. PEACE WEEK: A coalition of community organizations, leaders and representatives crated Peace Week. Workshops united people of all background, schoolchildren created posters with peace themes and took part in peace circles at their schools,

community members signed pledges committing themselves to be peace makers. Santa Maria’s designation extends into perpetuity. The City put its goals and objectives into a plan to enhance the civic health and pride in Santa Maria’s accomplishment. The City also maintains its All-America City Committee to create and coordinate community-based projects which address the 10 components of the All-America City Civic Index. The 10 components are Citizen Participation, Community Leadership, Government Performance, Volunteerism and Philanthropy, Inter-Group Relations, Civic Education, Community Information Sharing, Capacity for Cooperation and Consensus Building, Community Vision and Pride, and Inter-Community Cooperation.

The phrase, “the Santa Maria way,” means something to Santa Maria Mayor Alice M. Patino. “We are a good and caring community. We are a very diverse and growing city. No matter what socioeconomic group, people here care about one another. They care about what is going on,” Patino said of the city she has served for decades. “We are growing, and some may say we have our growing pains,” Patino added. She said the Santa Maria way of doing things can be seen in how the city is dealing with its growing pains. “I think we are being very honest about addressing our issues,” said the Mayor. “We like to address things head on.” The Santa Maria way was evidenced during a recent rash of gang-related violence, which plagued the city until the Santa Maria Police Department carried out Operation Matador, and arrested 16 people related to the international gang MS-13; Patino said she was routinely stopped by people that wanted to help. “I would see people in the grocery store, people I didn’t know, they would come up to me and say, ‘what can I do to help,’” she said. She said she would, and still does, refer people wanting to help to One Community Action, a local coalition that emerged in search of ideas for supporting the city’s youth. “You will figure out where you can help there,” she said. “People really care. They have pride in their community.” Patino has been serving Santa Maria for many years and in many different ways. She began her career as a teacher and then went to serve as a board member in the public school system. She became a member of the City Council in 1999 and then became the city’s first female mayor in 2012. “I think what is so important to Santa Maria, which I have been a part of, is the idea of long range planning,” Patino said. She said long-range planning worked to help the city build two new fire stations, a $32 million library, a $5 million parking structure and the new police station. “Anytime we open a new building, they are paid for,” Patino said. That forward thinking is working on bringing a four-year university to Santa Maria. “We are thinking that it is not going to be the brick and mortar colleges we grew up with. We are working on it. We have been in conversations with Cal Lutheran and people up north. They are interested, but still in conversation,” said Patino. For the long-time public servant, caring about one another, planning for the future and serving others personifies the Santa Maria Way. “We like to do things efficiently and creatively and we seem to do a lot more with less,” said Patino. Logan B. Anderson covers city government in Santa Maria for Lee Central Coast Newspapers. Follow him on Twitter: @LoganBAnderson.

CITY COUNCIL

Etta Waterfield, Mayor Pro Tem

Bob Orach, Councilmember

Jack Boysen, Councilmember

Terri Zuniga, Councilmember

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Friday, April 29, 2016 | 3

Santa Maria Times

Santa Maria City Manager works to make a difference LOGAN B. ANDERSON landerson@leecentralcoastnews.com‌

‌Sitting in a small frame on a shelf in the office of Santa Maria’s City Manager is a quote from former President John F. Kennedy, “One person should make a difference and everyone should try.” Rick Haydon is greeted by those words every day before he sets out to manage the city’s business — he said he uses the quote as motivation. “For me, Santa Maria is an opportunity to make a difference,” Haydon said. “It is an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others and the community.” Haydon said for him, working for the city and in local government is a noble profession. “You are able to impact the lives of others and there aren’t too many jobs where you can do that,” he said.

Rick Haydon, City Manager

That sense of service to others can be felt in the city’s mission statement, “To provide the highest quality service in the most efficient, cost-effective, and courteous manner possible.” Visitors can find the mission statement proudly and prominently placed in all of the city’s buildings. Haydon said another example of how he and Santa Maria are able to make a difference in the lives of others is how the city responds to challenges. Haydon noted that Santa Maria is very fortunate to have a high caliber of department heads, with vast years of experience in their respective areas of expertise, with which to assist him and the City Council in responding to local issues and challenges. When asked how Santa Maria

deals with its issues, Haydon said, “collaboratively.” It not only takes a collaborative view of things, it takes a long and strategic view, the City Manager said. “Water is very sparse throughout the state. The council had the foresight to seek state water. Because of that we have an abundant amount of water resources right now. To that point we are able to sell water to Nipomo. They are a utility customer like everyone else,” he said. One of the city’s designated goals for the next two years is to work together with Allan Hancock Community College to attract a four-year university to Santa Maria. When asked how the city could do that, he said: “Collaboration.” “Collaborating with the local

community college to help them secure a four-year university degree program to try and help them through the planning process, and by assisting them through the building process,” he said. To that end, the city adopted a new job creation and retention program with a façade improvement and business expansion initiative earlier this month with the university effort in mind. For Haydon, efforts like the All-America City Committee, working collaboratively to attract new business and managing resources, open government, and being fiscally prudent is “the Santa Maria way.” Logan B. Anderson covers city government in Santa Maria for Lee Central Coast Newspapers. Follow him on Twitter: @LoganBAnderson.

DEPARTMENT HEADS

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Gilbert Trujillo, City Attorney

Ralph Martin, Chief of Police

Scott Kenley, Interim Fire Chief

Shad Springer, Director of Utilities

Steve Kahn, Director of Public Works

Alex Posada, Director of Recreation and Parks

Mary Housel, City Librarian

Larry Appel, Director of Community Development

Rene Vise, Director of Administrative Services

Jason Stilwell, Deputy City Manager

Andrew Tse, Deputy City Manager

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Santa Maria Times

Investing in officers, resources ‘It’s our community, your police’ LOGAN B. ANDERSON landerson@leecentralcoastnews.com‌

Ralph Martin, Police Chief

‌Members of the Santa Maria Police Department work tirelessly to protect and serve the citizens of their city. In recent years, the department has put more police officers in the community, more police cars on the street and used new and different policing approaches to serve and protect Santa Maria. “The city has made a concerted effort into public safety,” said Police Chief Ralph Martin. Since coming to Santa Maria as its top cop, Martin has been able to restructure the department, increase the level and amount of services it provides and make some big arrests that have worked to make the city safer. On July 1, the police department will reach a full complement of officers at 129, up from its current 111. The police department has beefed up is traffic division to 10 traffic officers, up from four. It is also increasing the number of patrol cars on the street to between 16 and 18 from about eight, Martin said. Martin’s restructuring efforts have let him increase the department’s investigation bureau threefold and add members to its gang unit. The city’s investment in the department has allowed it to reinstate its community policing efforts and resulted in its new 72,000 square-foot police station now on Betteravia Road. “There are three things we are involved in. We are in intervention, suppression and prevention,” Martin said. “We are really good at the suppression stuff. We can arrest people and get to the scenes. We put out the proverbial fires we do all that stuff right; we go from call to call,” he added. The department’s efforts in the community, including increasing its complement of school resource officers and other programs work on suppression and prevention. The department recently took a new approach to its gang prevention efforts by making a documentary. “Life Facing Bars – The Doc-

LOGAN B. ANDERSON, STAFF‌

The Santa Maria Police Department moved into its new facility on Betteravia Road about eight months ago. umentary,” is a 40-minute film depicting local gang members exposing the lies and telling the truth about their experience with the street gang subculture. The department uses the film to raise awareness of gang culture, and deter at-risk youth from gang involvement. The video can be seen on YouTube and Martin said it has been requested and sent to police departments in all 50 states. The department is also adding new technologies to how it communicates with its officers and other agencies. An upgraded Motorola system will work on a 700 megahertz frequency with broadband internet support. “The city has invested in the best Motorola has to offer,” Martin said. The effort to upgrade law enforcement communication systems came after incidents like the 1992 Los Angeles riots, which brought police agencies from around the region to LA to help. When the police officers from San Diego, Arizona and even Santa Maria arrived in LA they couldn’t communicate with other officers. “With us going to 700 MHz, a police car from Santa Maria can go to LA and can talk not only to LA, but can still talk to Santa Maria,” Martin explained. He added that San Francisco

Bay Area police departments and LA departments are also making the switch to the 700 MHz system. With the infrastructure investments made by Santa Maria and its location between the two major cities, Santa Maria will be able to help other local agencies upgrade too. “We are right in the middle of the state and the bi-county area. This system will serve the whole Central Coast for decades,” said Martin. The Police Chief said the city will continue to be safer the more police and the community work together. “Our message is what it has historically been in Santa Maria, it’s our community, your police,” he said. “We are only going to be as effective as the community allows us to be. We are continuing to improve. I think the residents of the city are seeing more cops on the street.” Residents of the city saw the result of the police department’s work earlier this year during Operation Matador, which resulted in multiple arrests of members of the gang MS-13 and ended a rash of gang-related homicides that plagued the city. Martin said the operation “is a reflection of the professionalism of the men and women of the department.” “They were keenly aware of the

effects of multiple homicides in this city. Giving the city a reputation it didn’t deserve; the effects it has on business, tourism, schools. Just the psyche of the general population,” Martin said. To make the arrests, the department’s detective bureau worked, “an incredible amount of hours.” “Thank God, we haven’t had an incident since. It has been a few months,” Martin said. “We think we got the right people.” “We believe this is going to be the biggest case Santa Barbara County has ever prosecuted,” Martin said. “The message is those people were not from Santa Maria. They came here from out of town, they came here to set up shop to own the town. Santa Maria typically has three homicides in a year. To see 13, we knew something was wrong. We set about it; it took us a couple of months we got it done.” The Police Chief said the department wouldn’t have been able to crack MS-13 three years ago. “We only had five detectives; our patrol force was not big enough. We could not have pulled that operation off on Cook Street. We brought in the FBI and the ATF and ICE and all the SWAT teams from different cities,” Chief Martin said. Logan B. Anderson covers city government in Santa Maria for Lee Central Coast Newspapers. Follow

“Our message is what it has historically been in Santa Maria, it’s our community, your police.” Ralph Martin, Police Chief

ABOVE: The Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony hosted annually by the Santa Maria Police Department honors fallen law enforcement officers, and remembers the men and women who continue to protect their communities. RIGHT: The state-of-the-art crime lab inside the new Police Department building, where examination and collection of visible, latent, and trace evidence occurs. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA

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SANTA MARIA TIMES

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2016 |

Police Chief Martin spotlights officers Contributions recognized LOGAN B. ANDERSON landerson@leecentralcoastnews.com

Santa Maria Police Chief Ralph Martin prides himself on the caliber of officers in his department. With more than 100 sworn police officers under his command, Martin wanted to highlight two for their contributions to the department and the city of Santa Maria.

Traffic Officer Ronald Murillo It would be easy to say that traffic Officer Ronald Murillo cares about Santa Maria. For most of his working life, he has served his city and its people. “I started out working for the city. I worked in recreation and parks, prepping baseball fields. Then I went to the recreation department working at the senior center,” Murillo said. After his time with the Recreation and Parks Department, he went to work for the city’s water department. “I have been around the city for a while,” he said. After working 13 years in other city departments, he decided he wanted to be a police officer. “I wanted to do something else,” Murillo said. “So I put myself through the police academy. I wanted to work for Santa Maria, but unfortunately they didn’t hire me then, so I went to UC Santa Barbara Police Department. I started out there a couple of years. I tried to lateral back (to Santa Maria Police Department) and they hired me.” The 12-year SMPD veteran was recently honored as the department’s Police Officer of the Year for his work educating teen drivers after a tragic crash. “We had a fatality traffic collision involving a 17-year-old high school girl at the beginning of the year,” he said. “It is something I am involved with anyway: I am on the Teen Safe Driver Coalition. I meet families all the time that lose teens, not because they are out drinking and driving or out doing drugs. They are out having fun in a car.” The crash happened when two carloads of teenagers decided to race after a school event. “They weren’t drinking. They

were just leaving a high school basketball game. One of the vehicles lost control, hit a pole and killed the driver,” Murillo said. “They were basically trying to have fun.” Trying to make sense out of tragedy, Murillo made contact with the organization Impact Teen Driver. With that group and others, he helped create a teaching video to educate future drivers to drive responsibly. “The video has gone nationwide,” he said. “They use it in high school and middle school classrooms.” When asked if he had a message for folks in the city of Santa Maria, Murillo said, “It’s a great community. Get out there and volunteer your time. Get involved in the community. Santa Maria is a good place to live.”

Patrol Officer Sofia Marques A New Jersey native, patrol Officer Sofia Marques came to the West Coast to find her true calling. She has as a police officer for the city of Santa Maria. “I was doing fine art conservation and restoration. Then I was like, I don’t like it here, this isn’t what I want to do,” Marques said. She said she decided to head west and pick a spot on a California map. “I picked the San Luis Obispo area. I moved out here. I didn’t know anybody. I didn’t have any family. I’d never been to California before. It was the coolest journey ever. I drove across the country. It was a really unique experience. I am really glad I did it.” Marques said moving here was freeing. “As soon as I got out here, I was free to do exactly what I wanted to do. I thought, I want to be a police officer. So I looked around at the different cities in the area and I narrowed in on Santa Maria because it is a pretty unique community in the sense that it deals with challenges that other cities in the area don’t deal with as well,” she said. “I want to work for (Santa Maria), because I am going to get experience that I am never going to get anywhere else.” Marques has been a Santa Ma-

LOGAN B. ANDERSON PHOTOS, STAFF

Ronald Murillo, Santa Maria Police Department Officer of the Year.

Santa Maria Police Department patrol Officer Sofia Marques. ria Police officer for about three years. “It’s been great,” she said. “It is very close-knit team. It has been everything I thought it was and more.” When asked if she had a mes-

sage for folks in the city of Santa Maria. Marques said, “Trust in us. Trust in the Police Department. We are here for you and we need to work together. In order to solve the problems, we need the help of the community.”

Logan B. Anderson covers city government in Santa Maria for Lee Central Coast Newspapers. Follow him on Twitter: @LoganB Anderson.

“It’s a great community. Get out there and volunteer your time. Get involved in the community. Santa Maria is a good place to live.” Ronald Murillo, Traffic Officer LEFT: Police Commander Kendall Greene and a local girl share a friendly exchange during a National Night Out event at Veterans Memorial Park. BELOW: The new Police Department building at 1111 West Betteravia Road opened in 2015. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA

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Santa Maria Times

Santa Maria’s Fire Department stands ready, day or night LOGAN B. ANDERSON landerson@leecentralcoastnews.com‌

Scott Kenley, Interim Fire Chief

‌Day or night when the alarm sounds, Santa Maria firefighters spring into action. “With the idea that wherever we are going to, our goal is to get there and make it better for whoever called us,” Interim Deputy Chief Jeff Jones said. Jones described his department as a traditional one. “We respond to fires, medical emergencies and traffic accidents,” he said. “We operate out of five stations. We have six, but the sixth is staffed very differently. It is at the airport and it provides airport crash fire and rescue protection,” said Jones. Each firefighter works 56 hours a week. “In essence, a third of their lives are spent on duty,” Jones said. Many of Santa Maria’s firefighters work 24 hour shifts instead of an eight hour shift. “Our firefighters, appreciate the job that they have and understand that they are paid to be inconvenienced,” he said. The city’s fire department responds to about 10,000 calls a year. “It doesn’t matter what time of day or night, we have some response time goals. From the receipt of an alarm they have to be out of the fire station within one to one-and-a-half minutes,” Jones said. He said that outside of the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, Santa Maria’s department is probably the busiest in county. “Santa Barbara County runs about 13,000 calls a year with 18 stations, to the city of Santa Maria’s 10,000 calls with five stations,” Jones said. Jones added that the department wouldn’t be able to help as many people as it does without the help of other agencies, including fire departments from different jurisdictions. “We would have to double our department because of our call

LOGAN B. ANDERSON, STAFF‌

Santa Maria’s Fire Department has five fire stations in the city and one at the airport. volume, but because we have effective automatic mutual aid agreements with our neighbors through the sharing of resources we can do things a lot more cost effectively,” he said. The Santa Maria Fire Department has similar agreements with agencies nationwide. Local firefighters have responded to incidents all over the American West, and even as far east as Florida. Jones was part of a group of local firefighters that went to New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. “It’s about amassing resources to get the job done. We are reimbursed well for that. We don’t lose money on the deal. It is also a great way to get phenomenal training — different locations, different challenges,” said Jones. On a daily basis there are 17 firefighters on duty in the city of Santa Maria. The department has a total complement of about 60

employees. “That is one of our strengths and challenges. In an earthquake, a major event, in a massive winter storm we have a town of about 105,000 people and we have 17 on duty people to help,” Jones said. “One of the things that Santa Maria has going for it is that there are a number of people trained in large incident management.” Because of those challenges, the department offers regular training classes for residents — in both Spanish and English. The classes educate the public about what to do in emergency situations. “There are a lot of things people can do to help us help you. Know where you are when you call 911. Know what your emergency is. If it is at night, turn on a porch light. Make sure your house has an address on it. And of course, make sure that you have a smoke detector. Don’t leave food unattended on the stove,” said Jones.

Jones said one of the good things about responding to emergencies in Santa Maria is that it is relatively flat and laid out largely in a grid pattern. Comparatively, the city of Santa Barbara has about 20,000 less people than Santa Maria, but because of the topography of the city they have three more fire stations than Santa Maria does in order to respond to calls as fast as possible. Another good thing about Santa Maria, Jones said, is its people. “This town is filled with really good, hard working people and we should never lose sight of that,” said Jones. “If someone has significant need, all they have to do is make this community aware of it and people come out. It is a wonderful part of Santa Maria.” Logan B. Anderson covers city government in Santa Maria for Lee Central Coast Newspapers. Follow him on Twitter: @LoganBAnderson.

“If someone has significant need, all they have to do is make this community aware of it and people come out. It is a wonderful part of Santa Maria.” Jeff Jones, Interim Deputy Chief

FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR

Matt Mihlhauser: ‘It is a good city to work for. We are heading in the right direction’

LOGAN B. ANDERSON landerson@leecentralcoastnews.com‌

‌Firefighting is in Matt Mihlhauser’s blood. The Santa Maria Fire Department fire engineer’s father and brother are members of the fire service, and he said he grew up with the firefighter lifestyle. Earlier this year, Mihlhauser was recognized for his service to the Fire Department and the city when he was named Santa Maria’s Firefighter of the Year. The Firefighter of the Year can be nominated by any member of the department but is selected by a committee made up of the three previous winners of the award. Though honored to be recognized, Mihlhauser said he isn’t a firefighter for the accolades. “I do what I do because I like this job. I enjoy working here and being involved with the department,” said Mihlhauser, a fiveyear department veteran. He was selected for being “well-respected among his peers” and always displaying “a positive, professional attitude toward the job,” fire department leaders said at a ceremony in January. Mihlhauser helps lead a rookie academy, where he said, “We spend two months putting them through drills and training.” He also sits on the department’s tool committee. When asked what it’s like being a firefighter for the city of Santa Maria he said, “It is good.” “It is a busy little department. I say little because we’re a six station department and we serve 105,000 people. Department size we are pretty small, but 10,000 calls (a year) is a lot of calls for a department our size. Regardless of where you are working, you are constantly running calls,” he

added. He is excited for the future of his department and the city of Santa Maria. “It is a good city to work for. We are heading in the right direction; with the way our administration is going, our firefighters all working together to provide a good quality service. It makes this a good place to work for,” Mihlhauser said. Being a firefighter is a demanding job. Mihlhauser said he and other firefighters depend on each other to get through tough situations both during an incident and after. “You have to be mentally prepared for it. The guys that you work with, you have to look out for each other,” he said. Beyond the obvious dangers and hardships of fighting fires and responding to emergencies, the life of a firefighter is tough on their families. The married father of one with one on the way works a 24-hour shift and said, “I think it is harder on the wives. She is at home taking care of the kid, I am here working. If something goes wrong at the house, they have to take care of it.” Being a father and a firefighter provides its own rewards and challenges especially when responding to emergency incidents involving young children and families. LOGAN B. ANDERSON, STAFF‌ “When you get older, like me I have a child, it means more to you Santa Maria Fire Department Fire Engineer Matt Mihlhauser was named Santa Maria’s Firefighter of the Year because you have a child at home,” earlier this year. said Mihlhauser. “It also lets you bring more to the job because you can have that empathy because “I do what I do because I like this job. I enjoy working here you know how it feels.” Logan B. Anderson covers city government in Santa Maria for Lee Central Coast Newspapers. Follow him on Twitter: @LoganBAnderson.

and being involved with the department.” Matt Mihlhauser

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Friday, April 29, 2016 | 7

Santa Maria Times

Utilities Department is mining innovative service ideas LOGAN B. ANDERSON landerson@leecentralcoastnews.com‌

‌Some departments use many different ways to meet one directive — the Santa Maria Utilities Department has to find many different ways to meet many different mandates. The Utilities Department is responsible for providing essential Shad Springer, Director of Utilities municipal services such as water distribution; refuse collection; wastewater collection and treatment; disposal and recycling, and green waste pick-up including the management of the Santa Maria Regional Landfill; storm water management; and street sweeping. “We try to be as innovative as possible in the areas we do business,” said Director of Utilities Shad Springer. One example of the department’s innovative, business-like thinking, Springer said, is its Non-Hazardous Hydrocarbon Impacted Soils (NHIS) Program.

“We had an old unlined portion of the landfill and we were going to have to put a lot of cover material to close out the landfill. That was a significant expense and burden to the city. Through creative thinking and innovation we worked with regulators and the community to essentially turn that around,” Springer said. Instead of the city having to purchase, then pay to dig and transport the material needed, the department connected with a local oil drilling operation and struck up a partnership. A byproduct of decades of oil production in the region is large quantities of soils impacted by oil production called Non-hazardous Hydrocarbon Impacted Soils. Rigid controls allow the city use of NHIS, which contains more soil than oil, as cover material over buried trash. The program also helps dispose of impacted soils that are structurally unsuitable to leave in place at residential and

industrial construction sites. “It was an opportunity to get the material that we need, help others and save the city a significant amount of money,” Springer said. The department is currently working on an “integrated plan,” or a tool to help Santa Maria maintain clean water resources. “We looked at that tool to combine all of the complicated and myriad regulations that we have from the Regional Water Control Board, the State Resources Water Control Board, the EPA, and the Corps of Engineers. Each of these have a role to play in water quality in the valley,” said Springer. The initiative would create a road map to navigate all of the agencies and rules dealing with water resources. “It is unique, nationwide, for a community to move in that direction. It is something that we have done. The EPA liked it so much they have provided us with

a grant,” Springer said. “For us, a lot of those different regulations tend to point in different directions and we want to make sure we stay in compliance,” Springer added. Another example of the city’s utilities department using innovative ideas to solve complicated problems will soon be found at Jim May Park. To work to stop nitrates and other compounds from agricultural field runoff from reaching the city’s ground water reserves, the department plans to build a biofilter to biologically treat runoff water. The effort will work to keep Santa Maria’s aquifer healthy. “We are able to maintain focus and work hard to get to that goal,” said Springer, “it’s the Santa Maria way.” Logan B. Anderson covers city government in Santa Maria for Lee Central Coast Newspapers. Follow him on Twitter: @LoganBAnderson.

Utilities Department has a long list of programs CONTRIBUTED REPORT

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS‌

Solid waste collections — trash, recycling, and green waste In summer 2015, the Utilities Department kicked off a public awareness campaign to highlight the important city services of trash, recycling and green waste collection in Santa Maria. To demonstrate the city’s commitment to working with residents and businesses to keep Santa Maria clean, a large adhesive wrap was affixed to each side of its collection vehicles. The wraps create a positive message that promotes keeping Santa Maria beautiful. The fleet of 22 bright blue solid waste collection trucks is highly visible throughout the community. The Utilities Department takes great pride in providing trash collection services to more than 16,000 residences and businesses in Santa Maria each week. These collection services consist of trash, recycling and green waste pickup, as well as delivering and maintaining residential and commercial containers. In 2015, the department collected nearly 15,000 tons of green waste and recyclables from residential and commercial customers; in addition, more than 14,000 tons of material was accepted at the landfill’s recycling park. This material, all diverted from the landfill, is the equivalent to the weight of nearly 17,000 midsize sedans.

Green waste recycling and composting In 2009, the city began diverting green waste, such as branches, clippings, grass, fruits and plants, from the Santa Maria Regional Landfill and composting the organics at the Engel and Gray facility here in the valley. This diversion not only results in the conservation of valuable landfill space, but it recycles valuable green waste into an important soil amendment — compost. Compost improves soil structure, reduces erosion and runoff, saves water, supplies soil with a variety of macro and micronutrients, and increases the amount of water that filters into the ground. The compost is used to improve turf in parks across the city and residents and businesses use the quality compost to improve their own landscapes and turf.

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Dumpsters revitalization project The Utilities Department, City Attorney’s Office, Code Compliance Division and the Police Department came together to coordinate clean-up

efforts in Santa Maria. Several Dumpsters were recently painted and repaired in an area of the city riddled with graffiti-covered bins. The newly revived Dumpsters have added new life to the area. By the end of March 2016, the Utilities Department had painted and repaired (or replaced) more than 40 Dumpsters, with plans to continue painting and replacing throughout April.

NHIS program A century of oil production in the Santa Maria Valley left behind large quantities of soils impacted by oil production. County and state regulators approved the city’s innovative solution of using soils containing oil, also known as non-hazardous hydrocarbon impacted soils, or NHIS, as cover material at the landfill. Rigid controls in this program allow the city use to NHIS, which contains more soil than oil, as cover material over buried trash. It also helps dispose of impacted soils that are structurally unsuitable to leave in place at residential and industrial construction sites. The beneficial use of NHIS has accelerated the schedule for closure of the inactive portions of the landfill and eliminated the expense of acquiring newly quarried materials for use as cover materials. This innovative program provides a great benefit to the community by reducing expenses for the landfill, while simultaneously providing revenue for the city, which is used to partly finance police and fire operations.

Los Flores Integrated Waste Management Facility The Santa Maria Regional Landfill occupies 290 acres and is located on East Main Street adjacent to the Santa Maria River. Waste disposal activities have occurred at this site since the 1950s. It had been calculated that this site would reach capacity in 2012. Due to improved operational techniques and increased diversion of recyclable and reusable materials, the life of the landfill has been extended. Based on current diversion efforts and operations, the landfill is estimated to reach capacity in 2020. After numerous studies with many agencies, the city selected Los Flores Ranch as the preferred site for the future Integrated Waste Management Facility. This city-owned property is 1,774 acres and located on Dominion Road south of Santa Maria and east of Highway 101. The site is currently used for passive recreational activities (Los Flores Ranch Park), which will remain with the implementation

of the new facility. The Integrated Waste Management Facility will have a 286-acre landfill footprint and approximately 90 years of solid waste capacity. The proposed landfill will be a canyon-fill developed in consecutive phases. The existing landfill is planned to be converted to a transfer station. Residents will deliver trash and materials to the existing site. From there, the city will transport these items to the new facility for disposal.

Residential mattress recycling program The Santa Maria Regional Landfill disposes of approximately 400 mattresses per month. Mattresses, box springs and foundations are hard to handle because they are difficult to compact and require additional processing to properly landfill. These materials increase operational expenses and are an inefficient use of airspace. However, approximately 95 percent of mattresses are recyclable. In late 2013, the state of California adopted the Used Mattress Recycling Recovery Act to develop a program to recover and recycle used mattresses. The act established the development of the Mattress Recycling Council. This agency manages the statewide program and uses recycling fees collected at the time of mattress purchase (currently $11 per item) to contract with service providers. Service providers are responsible for managing a local program to collect mattresses and other related items for recycling. The city works with the Mattress Recycling Council to provide a mattress recycling program at the landfill. Under a proposed program, up to five residential mattresses, box springs or foundations will be accepted at no charge. This proposal will go before the City Council for consideration at an upcoming meeting. If approved, disposal fees will be waived for residents delivering mattresses in accordance with program requirements. This program will help reduce illegal mattress dumping throughout the city, and will help have a positive impact on the community by saving money on disposal fees and providing additional uses of reclaimed materials.

Water conservation efforts In 2014, Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency in California due to severe drought conditions, and called on every city, community and resident to conserve water in every way possible. Following this declaration, multiple executive orders were issued imposing water conservation requirements in order to strengthen the state’s ability to manage water more effectively. The city has long recognized water conservation as a major goal for

managing its water portfolio and for ensuring that this precious natural resource remains a vital part of the local economy and environment. Since 2015, the City Council has adopted various ordinances and resolutions ensure compliance with the state’s emergency regulations. To help reach Santa Maria’s required target of 16-percent conservation compared to 2013 levels, the Utilities Department enhanced its water conservation outreach campaign, developed a Water Conservation Hotline (925-0951, ext. 2802), participated in a Showerhead Exchange Program with Santa Barbara County and created a customer-notification program. In addition to these efforts, the Utilities Department worked with other city departments, including fire, recreation and parks, administrative services and community development, to ensure a comprehensive approach. One of the largest undertakings resulted in the removal of more than 19,000 square feet of turf and the installation of drought-tolerant landscaping, drip systems and self-closing faucets and spigots. Perhaps most importantly, the conservation numbers indicate that businesses, organizations and individuals are doing their part to conserve this precious natural resource. Across Santa Maria, residences and businesses can be observed trading out their lawns for attractive drought-tolerant landscaping, including trees, shrubs, grasses, rocks and woodchips. Santa Maria is answering the governor’s call to reduce and conserve.

Biofilter project at Jim May Park The city is working on the design for a unique project at Jim May Park. Testing in the Santa Maria Valley Groundwater Basin has shown nitrates in the aquifer’s shallow portion. To help reduce nitrates, a biofilter will be constructed to use woodchips to biologically treat and remove the nitrates from agricultural water, helping to protect and restore the water quality of the groundwater basin. This innovative project is funded by a $1.25 million grant awarded by the State Water Resources Control Board and will serve as a pilot project that may result in implementation in other areas of California. Secondary water system The use of the city’s secondary water system has resulted in tremendous savings of Santa Maria’s potable water supply. The secondary water system uses untreated well water for landscapes, instead of using potable water. This system was constructed using repurposed drinking water production wells. Not only does the system help pull nitrates out of the ground, the water also has sufficient nitrogen to provide natural fertilization for the turf. This means no additional nitrogen fertilizer is necessary to support turf growth, helping to reduce additional nitrate loading, and helping to improve the overall quality of the groundwater basin. In 2010, the city received more than $520,000 in grant funding to extend the secondary system. To date, approximately two-thirds of Allan Hancock College’s landscape is on this system, along with Santa Maria City Hall, the landscaping around the Town Center East mall, Simas

Field, Elks Field, Hagerman Park, the Santa Maria Public Airport and some industrial areas around the airport. To date, 220 acre-feet of water use has been used from the secondary system. Because the average family in Santa Maria uses about 0.4 acre-feet of water per year, the amount of water saved serves about 550 additional households. Fixed base meters The city began transitioning to fixed-base meter reading in 2009. Prior to the transition, two full-time employees manually read 21,000 water meters each month. Today, staff reviews data once a month. More than 14,000 water meters have been converted to fixed-base meters. Some meters, mostly south of Main Street, have not reached the end of their useful life, so they have not yet been converted to fixed-base meters. The fixed-base meters record hourly water usage and transfer that data to a central location. Staff in the Utilities Department conducts monthly reviews of the data to identify unusual water use patterns. Accounts that have water use every hour for three days are presumed to have a leak and receive written notification from the city that they may have a leak. This transition to fixed-base meter reading has allowed the department to respond more efficiently to customer leaks and more thoroughly evaluate and track water usage. Sewer collections system Sewer backup and overflow occur in every sewer system. To reduce the likelihood of overflows, the city has installed more than 30 monitors at strategic locations to alert of any impending problems. The use of these monitors, along with the city’s preventative maintenance program, has resulted in an extremely low rate of sewer overflows. The industry average for sewer overflows in a system the size of the city’s is 13 per year, or at least one per month. In 2015, there were only four overflows the entire year. The city’s sewer collection system has not had an overflow in more than six months. This record ties as the longest period of no overflows in the city for the past 10 years.

Adopt-A-Road program The Recreation and Parks Department recently revamped the city’s Adopt-A-Road program and will kick off the new program in early summer. The purpose of the program is to promote beautification in the community by cleaning and removing debris and litter on roads. It is easy to participate in this program. Organizations select their desired location from a list of approved streets (does not include medians). Once approved, organizations will be recognized with official city of Santa Maria Adopt-A-Road signs that include the organization’s name (two will be installed on the stretch of “adopted” roadway). Organizations will also receive a certification of appreciation, demonstrating their commitment to civic responsibility. Applications to participate will be available at the Recreation and Parks Department at 615 S. McClelland St. or by calling 925-0951, ext. 2350.

8 | Friday, April 29, 2016

Santa Maria Times

Recreation and Parks enhances lives with open space, programs for all LOGAN B. ANDERSON landerson@leecentralcoastnews.com‌

Alex Posada, Director of Recreation and Parks

Mary Housel, City Librarian

‌Santa Maria’s Recreation and Parks Department aims to create meaningful programs and services that work to enhance the lives in the city. “Personally, I see the department as the vehicle the City uses to make positive impacts on the community,” said Alex Posada, Recreation and Parks Department director. Posada’s department fulfills its mission with more than 2,000 acres of park space and more than 3,000 programs. “Recreation programs reach out and challenge people to try new things, get involved in community work, keep up a healthy lifestyle and endeavor to be responsive with our limitations,” said Posada. About 60,000 people participate in the department’s programs each year. The department offers programs for people aged 1 to 100 years old. Its active living programs for adults 50 years old or older include: community walks, lawn bowling, knitting and winemaking classes. The department even puts on a regular Tuesday afternoon poker game for recreational card sharks. The department also offers regular dance and art classes for all adults, with painting, pottery and folk dance classes. And don’t miss out on the regular basketball, dodge ball and volley ball games or the slow pitch co-ed softball leagues. There are also martial arts classes for those who want to be active. At the city’s Paul Nelson Aquatics Center, swimming lessons, fitness swims and leisure pool time are available for all Santa Maria residents. Posada said his department also organizes special events like a summer concerts and movies in the park series. “This summer we will offer an extensive youth program that we want the community to learn about and participate in,” said Posada. Teresa Reyburn, recreation services manager, said the department crafted the summer program schedule after hearing from the people it wants to serve. “We have had a lot of discussions with the commission and

LOGAN B. ANDERSON, STAFF‌

The Recreation and Parks Department has made a more than $1 million investment into Oakley Park. Renovations are wrapping up soon, officials believe the park will be open sometime this summer. the community about our summer programs, particularly with some of the violence we have experienced in the community,” she said. Reyburn said summer activities will consist of 32 programs including offerings for the very young to high school aged teens. For children 1-5 years old the Recreation and Parks Department will have programs like art a la carte, mini chef and pre-school playtime. For children 6-12 years old, the department will offer programs such as youth choir, a holiday cupcake workshop, girls rock math camp and wacky science camp. For teens 13-17 years old, the department has created a host of options including: introduction to body building, guitar lessons, girls fitness connection, and even a resume workshop. “We have shifted our resources in order to serve more families which required us to do away with our day camp program,” Reyburn said. Thanks to partnerships the department has made, meals will be provided for the young people signed up for its summer programs this year.

The department also maintains the places where its programs take place. The city has 26 neighborhood and community parks totaling 254 acres. In addition to its parks, the city operates Los Flores Ranch, 1,800 acres of open recreational space complete with multiple-use trails and education opportunities. The department also operates 10 community centers and 11 school sites where the department is able to coordinate athletic programs. “Our parks division, which is composed of the support, facilities and landscape district sections is tasked with keeping our facilities clean, safe, in good repair, accessible and provide the behind the scenes work that needs to be done to accomplish these tasks,” Posada said. “They are the unsung heroes,” added Posada. The parks division is currently tackling a $1.2 million rehabilitation project at Oakley Park. “This 1960s era park was in need of updating to 2016 standards for safety and enjoyment. It brings the community a great new facility to serve the growing population on the city’s west

side,” he said. The city plans to begin an extensive project at the city’s first park, Buena Vista Park, which dates to the late 1890s. “It has undergone some updating in the past, but this will a complete tear down and reconstruction. This is expected to be another $1 million project,” said Posada. The city pays for its park programs with Community Development Block Grant funds, state parks grants, land and water conservation fund (federal grant), and park developer fees. The city’s general fund covers the ongoing maintenance and operational cost, Posada said. Posada wants Santa Maria residents to know, “We live in a great community and encourage all our residents to enjoy the many, many services, programs and facilities offered not only by the city of Santa Maria, but all the service organizations, faith based groups and non-profit agencies that are here to make life better for all.” Logan B. Anderson covers city government in Santa Maria for Lee Central Coast Newspapers. Follow him on Twitter: @LoganBAnderson.

Santa Maria Public Library offers something for everyone TODDLER STORY TIME: ‌ The Santa Maria Public Library’s popular toddler story time, “Play, Move and Learn,” is a high-energy, interactive story time for children aged 1 to 3 and their parents. In this program, toddlers are introduced to early literacy concepts delivered through their best learning mediums: play and socialization. Parents take home skills through tips and handouts on early childhood development and literacy, and connect with other parents in the process. Times and dates for all library events can be found online at www.cityofsantamaria.org/library. HOMEWORK HELP: The Library Homework Help program gives students in grades K-6 a chance to complete assignments and enrich their skills for free with our volunteer tutors, every Monday-Thursday from 3:306:30 p.m. Spanish-speaking tu-

tors are also available on most days. This program will also be available during summer break to help maintain or boost essential reading and math skills in preparation for the next school year. Contact the library’s Youth Services Department at 805-9250994 for further information. Literacy: Many adults in our community need help learning to read, write, speak and understand English. Central Coast Literacy Council, a non-profit organization located on the first floor of the library, recruits and trains tutors to teach students how to become literate in English. Free one-on-one tutoring and classroom learning are available in Santa Maria, Orcutt, Lompoc, Guadalupe, and Los Alamos. The classes and instructional materials are provided to the students at no cost. For more information, call the Literacy Council at 805925-0951 ext. 2836

DANIEL DREIFUSS, SANTA MARIA TIMES

ABOVE: Faith Davidson and tutor Peter Burgett review math problems. TOP: The Santa Maria Public Library. RIGHT: Central Coast Literacy Council tutor Franca Lockard assists Jose Hernandez in a library study room. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA

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Community

PRIDE

Real Estate Sponsor Williams Homes

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Williams Homes cares passionately about workmanship, design and the needs of homebuyers.â&#x20AC;? Diana Kolec, Central Coast sales manager

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2 | Friday, April 29, 2016

Santa Maria Times

BUILDING QUALITY FOR A LIFETIME

LEN WOOD PHOTOS, STAFF‌

The Williams Homes building and sales team poses outside the models for the Harvest Glen homes in Santa Maria. From left are Pablo Jimenez, customer service, Todd Johnson, superintendent, Christiana Hamill, sales counselor, Steve Johnson, director of construction operations, Diana Kolec, Central Coast sales manager, Annabell Powers, office manager, David Mitchell, superintendent, and Patricia Domigues, office administrator.

Williams Homes: Building quality living on the Central Coast ‘We try very much to be a hometown company’ KRISTA CHANDLER Contributing Writer‌

A building company with a ‌ deep-rooted passion for constructing quality homes for its community can be hard to come by, but it can be found at Williams Homes on the Central Coast. Founded in 1997 by Lance Williams in Santa Clarita, Williams Homes has been at home on the Central Coast for the last three years. The expansion came after the company saw a need for housing and an opportunity for growth in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties in recent years, and opened a Central Coast division. The company says everything they do comes down to one basic principle: When you care, it shows. “We try very much to be a hometown company,” said Steve Johnson, director of construction operations for the Central Coast division. “The Central Coast has been an interest to us for decades. We love this area, and we’ve always felt like it’s a great place to be.” With properties in areas ranging from Ventura to Santa Maria to Paso Robles, Williams Homes is serving what they feel was an underserved market using a team with over 100 years of combined experience in building. According to Johnson, after the Great Recession many of the public building companies packed up and left town, and still have not come back. The lack of competition for builders in this area created an opportunity for Williams Homes to make a presence in the community. They have found great success here — a network of those in the community that they have fostered relationships with that either contributed to the production of or live in a Williams Home. Johnson estimates that the company has sold around $27 million worth of homes in Santa Maria alone in the three years that they’ve been on the Central Coast.

Working together‌

One thing the company credits their success to is the teamwork of their entire staff. Every employee has been handpicked by Williams to ensure they carry on the legacy of commitment to community and building quality homes. Except for Johnson, who came from Central California, every Williams Homes Central Coast division employee lives and works right here on the Central Coast. “We decided to become a local company,” Johnson said. “We’re living here — we have our families here and we’ve established roots. Everyone we’ve hired is local from this area.” By keeping local, the company believes they can better serve the

desires and needs of the community they now call home.

Building quality for a lifetime‌ California native Lance Williams founded privately held Santa Clarita-based Williams Homes in 1997 on three principles that the company says is key to their continued success — integrity, trust and partnership. Johnson said that he and his family always dreamed of living on the Central Coast, and had mentioned it in passing years ago to Williams. When Williams saw the opportunity to expand in this market, he remembered that conversation with Johnson and called him up. Johnson made the move to the Central Coast to manage all daily aspects of the construction of Williams Homes in the area. Every year between Santa Clarita and the Central Coast, the company builds 300-400 new homes, and even though they stay busy one thing that the company has stayed committed to over the years is building quality for a lifetime. “Williams Homes cares passionately about workmanship, design and the needs of homebuyers,” said Diana Kolec, Central Coast sales manager. The company takes the time to develop relationships with players on all ends of the field — subcontractors, city officials, their employees and the homebuyers — ensuring a quality built home and a team to back it. Kolec explained that building in Santa Maria is very different from building in a big city. They have the ability to look at individual buyers and their lifestyles and families, and design their floor plans to fulfill all the diverse niches they have. “All of our floor plans offer something unique and different to fit what that need of the community is,” she explained. Williams Homes offers a multitude of choices for affordable homes, luxury homes, move-up buyer homes and single-family homes, ranging in size from 1,500 square feet to more than 4,000 square feet. The company believes they serve all aspects of the Central Coast’s market. Almost all of Williams Homes floorplans feature a great room concept and downstairs bedrooms to enhance the flow of family lifestyle, but the quality is in the building. The company strives to build homes that far exceed expectations — most homes include tankless water heaters, energy efficient appliances, full granite slab kitchen counters, dual-pane windows, LED lighting and many green features. Every home is built

Carlos Guzman frames a roof for a Harvest Glen home in a Williams Homes project in Santa Maria.

Williams Homes models are open for the Harvest Glen homes project in Santa Maria. on a post-tension slab, providing extra strength for the home. “We’re a hometown company who is focused on long term relationships with everyone involved,” Johnson said. “Having known Lance for all this time, that’s his personal belief and commitment. It’s a more personal kind of attitude that goes through the company, starting with him and going through the rest of the employees.” “We have a sincere interest in the community, the homes we deliver, our buyers and the whole process.”

Projects in the Works‌

For only being on the Central Coast for three years, Williams Homes has an astounding number of projects under their belt. In Santa Maria, recently completed Parkland Cottages features

21 detached homes in a gated community near McCoy Lane and Broadway. Harvest Glen is a neighborhood of 139 homes with up to five bedrooms. According to Kolec, the homes are thoughtfully designed with an inviting open concept with family and community in mind. Currently, Williams Homes is working on projects across the Central Coast, with two neighborhoods in San Luis Obispo County slated to open in May. Woodridge in Atascadero will include 35 luxury townhomes, and is nestled in an area of beautiful open space and surrounding foothills with nearby parks and recreation and proximity to downtown San Luis Obispo, according to Kolec. Also slated for May is Arbor Ridge in Paso Robles, featuring 23 detached homes that offer contemporary floor plans with great

rooms and lofts. Closer to home, Falcon Heights in Vandenberg Village offers a spacious place to call home, with floor plans up to 3,494 square feet and up to a half acre lot. These homes are currently under construction. And lastly, Harvest Glen Gardens will be breaking ground in Santa Maria in May of this year. Johnson estimates that model homes will be complete by the end of 2016 and homes will begin to be available for sale by that time. “It’s going to be a great place for first-time buyers,” Johnson said. Whatever your taste, Kolec assures that Williams Homes designs its homes with the needs of the buyers in mind, by looking at what their buyers tell them and incorporating it into their plans. “I’m really proud of our com- 00 1 pany,” Kolec said.

SANTA MARIA TIMES

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2016 |

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HomeServices California Properties

One of the longest

established real estate offices in the Central Coast continues to change with the times and get stronger. The local Santa Maria office of Berkshire Hathaway has been around for a many years and survived through many real estate cycles to continue to remain as the premier real estate company on the Central Coast. The office was first established in 1993 and has born the name of several real estate brands, until recently when it is chose to be part of the Berkshire Hathaway network which was selected as the national Real Estate “Brand of the Year” in the 2014 Harris Poll. Our offices are locally owned and managed with backing of one of the most respected organizations and investors in the world Warren Buffett. We continue to grow and improve our service to the community and was selected the best real estate company in northern Santa Barbara county by the SUN Reader’s Poll.

We are like a large extended family having worked together for a long time. In the fall of 2014, Bishop Hawk became an affiliate of Berkshire Hathaway and acquired the Santa Maria office of Berkshire Hathaway. The company is now part of a national network with over 1,100 offices and 39,000 agents with over 100 offices just in the state of California.

We have a highly experienced and dedicated full time support staff of four full time professionals, including a Sales Manager, Administrative Manager, and Transaction Coordinator. “Our brand is prestigious and represents strength, integrity, stability and longevity. It gives us even more distinction in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.” Our highly experienced sales associates are quite diverse including multilingual agents, agents having been with our company for over 20 years, commercial agents, & we also have several new licensees in training along with top producers.

Bryan Friedman Owner/ Broker

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In Santa Maria we want to cater to Sellers and Buyers as having the best resources including a handy mobile app and other tools driven by the most accurate real estate information available to assist them. We are not only luxury, but providing assistance with any home buyers or sellers wish to buy or sell. We have a desire to open offices in other cities and next we are focusing on opening in the city of San Luis Obispo.

SANTA MARIA

2605 S. MILLER ST., SUITE 101 SANTA MARIA, CA 93455

805.928.4321

Pat O’Brien Branch Manager

Anne Byrne Jackson

Bob Cuillati

Clete & Bonnie Doyal

Danny Moreno

Deby Flynn

Donna Dart

Eloise Ruiz

Eva Avila

Gini Ruggles

Jill Luna

Jim Beaver

Joe Ybarra

Kirk Williams

Linda Araujo

Michael Ratzky

Pat Haley

Steve Allenson

Sherrie Goodrich

Sammy Robinson

Fay Curry

Stephanie Breault

Steve Akiyoshi

Susie Everroad

Tina Porter

Travis Negranti

Yolanda Rodrigues

Rebecca Larson

Richard Gasch

Office hours: 8:00 – 5:00 Monday thru Friday, Saturday and Sunday by appointment.

| FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2016

SANTA MARIA TIMES

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2016 |

“We believe the experience of buying a home should be as superb as the home itself.” For nearly 20 years, Williams Homes has cared passionately about workmanship, design and the needs of homebuyers like you. We are committed to excellence in everything we do, driven by a passion to build the finest-crafted homes and communities in the Central Coast, and throughout Southern California. Everything we do comes down to one basic principle: When you care, it shows. Speak to a Williams Homes’ sales counselor today for a buying experience that’s equal to the superb new home you have chosen as your own.

Santa Barbara County

Harvest Glen Santa Maria Single Family Homes 1,623 to 2,639 Sq Ft • 3 to 5 Bedrooms Harvest Glen offers innovative interiors, open floorplans and up to 5 bedrooms. Live in a central Santa Maria location with shopping, dining, parks, recreation, and schools nearby. From the high $300,000s 805.922.5552

San Luis Obispo County

Arbor Ridge Paso Robles Detached Homes 1,606 to 2,070 Sq Ft • 3 & 4 Bedrooms Arbor Ridge reinvents everyday living with functional floorplans that blend the convenience of detached design with the neighborhood’s own exclusive amenities. Coming Soon 805.714.3072

Falcon Heights Vandenberg Village Single Family Homes Up to 3,494 Sq Ft • 3 & 4 Bedrooms Falcon Heights gives you everything you need in a new home and more. Beautiful curb appeal outside and bright, open living spaces inside with amazing views of the Burton Mesa Reserve. From the $600,000s 805.741.7302

Woodridge Atascadero Townhomes 1,500 Sq Ft • 3 Bedrooms Woodridge highlights the low maintenance appeal of townhome living with contemporary interiors, smart living spaces and a host of modern features. Coming Soon 805.714.3072

Learn more 00 1

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Prices effective date of publication, subject to prior sale and availability. Williams Homes, Inc. is a California Broker, License no. 01449126.

6 | Friday, April 29, 2016

Santa Maria Times

CONTRIBUTED

A Harvest Glen model home.

Summer Move-ins at Falcon Heights‌ Williams Homes has announced that Phase 2 at its prestigious Falcon Heights neighborhood in Vandenberg Village is now selling the final view lots available in Phase 2. With a very limited number of view homes remaining, this is the perfect time to purchase your dream home at Falcon Heights overlooking the Burton Mesa Ecological Reserve, and kick-off the summer in your new home. The single-story residences of Falcon Heights present interior living space of approximately 2,779 to 3,494 square feet and offer such elegant features as great rooms with expansive bi-fold doors opening to the home’s outdoor room, preferred granite kitchen countertops, and a stainless-steel appliance package. These gracious luxury homes provide both intimacy and grandeur and each occupies a generous sized homesite spanning 20,000 square feet and over with backyards suitable for pools, gardens and entertaining. Pricing is from the $600,000s. Broker cooperation is welcome. Interested buyers should contact the Falcon Heights’ Sales Center at 805.741.7302, or visit the new model home located at 294 Falcon Crest Drive.

Experience Life at Harvest Glen in Santa Maria‌ As one of the top-selling neighborhoods in Santa Maria, Harvest Glen’s selection of affordable new homes is very appealing to a wide range of homebuyers. With the neighborhood’s newest phase now selling and summer move-ins available, this is the right time to visit and discover what the buzz is all about. Priced from the high $300,000s, Harvest Glen offers five versatile floorplans in both one- and two-story designs. For those wanting all of their living space on the ground floor, Residence One is an ideal choice. This one-story floorplan provides

Arbor Ridge street scene. for open living space with approximately 1,623 square feet, three bedrooms, three baths, and a spacious kitchen with large granite island and plentiful counter space. Harvest Glen’s Residence Two is an exceptional single-story home with the master bedroom set to the back of the residence to maximize privacy. A total of four bedrooms and three full baths comprise this home in approximately 1,890 square feet. The Residence Three is a luxurious four bedroom, three bath, two-story home with approximately 2,184 square feet of living space. It also allows for a family room, an island kitchen, and dining room – all designed to meet every day needs. The largest floorplan at 2,639 approximate square feet, the Residence Four comes standard with five bedrooms and three full baths. This home includes numerous built-in features, from the breakfast nook off the kitchen to a second floor bedroom which can easily double as a loft.

Harvest Glen’s newest floorplan is the Residence Five offering 2,369 approximate square feet of interior living space, four bedrooms and three baths. This two-story home integrates downstairs and upstairs living seamlessly and provides for flexible space with the standard loft and optional den. For today’s environmentally-conscious consumers, the residences of Harvest Glen feature an array of standard features that boost energy efficiency, help reduce water consumption and improve indoor air quality. While standard appointments throughout the functional and flowing floorplans include kitchens with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and center islands, dining rooms, family and great rooms per plan, comfortable master bedroom suites. Harvest Glen’s Sales Center, featuring four decorated model homes, is open daily 10 am to 6 pm, and is located at 940 West Anthony Place in Santa Maria. To visit

from Highway 101 exit Betteravia Road and head west, turn right on Blosser Road, right again on Sonya Lane, and follow the signs to the sales center. For additional information phone 805.922.5552 or visit online at WILLIAMSHOMES.com.

Williams Homes Debuts Two New Neighborhoods‌ Williams Homes is set to debut two neighborhoods in the Central Coast this May with the grand opening of Woodridge in Atascadero and Arbor Ridge in Paso Robles offering buyers new home types to choose from. ‌Woodridge – highlights the low maintenance appeal of townhome living with contemporary interiors, smart living spaces, and a host of modern amenities Please see Williams Homes, Page C7

Arbor Ridge 00 1

SANTA MARIA TIMES

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2016 |

Williams Homes From C6

and appointments. Interiors showcase large great rooms that are perfectly arranged for daily gatherings as well as walk-in closets in the master bedrooms. Decks and porches are featured in select plans. Homes range from approximately 1,606 to 2,070 square feet with 3 and 4 bedrooms and up to 3 bathrooms. Pricing is from the high $300,000s. Arbor Ridge – reinvents everyday living with functional floorplans that blend the con-

LEFT: Williams Homes has announced that Phase 2 at its prestigious Falcon Heights neighborhood in Vandenberg Village is now selling the final view lots.

venience of detached design with the neighborhood’s own exclusive amenities. The dining area, kitchen and casually elegant living room bring a seamless collection to daily life. Homes offer 1,500 approximate square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Pricing is from the mid $400,000s. Prospective homebuyers interested in registering for the VIP List or finding more information about these new Williams Homes’ neighborhoods should visit online at WILLIAMSHOMES.com, or contact a new home counselor at 805.714.3072.

BELOW: As one of the topselling neighborhoods in Santa Maria, Harvest Glen’s selection of affordable new homes is very appealing to a wide range of homebuyers. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

LIVe WELL.

NOW SELLING!

LIVe WILLIAMS.

2 NEW NEIGHBORHOODS TO CHOOSE FROM

VA & FHA FINANCING AVAILABLE Arbor Ridge reinvents everyday living with functional floorplans that blend the convenience of detached design with the neighborhood’s own exclusive amenities.

Woodridge highlights the low maintenance appeal of townhome living with contemporary interiors, smart living spaces and a host of modern features.

1,500 Sq Ft • 3 Bedrooms From the mid $400,000s

1,606 to 2,070 Sq Ft • 3 & 4 Bedrooms From the high $300,000s

GRAND OPENING MAY 7th!

GRAND OPENING COMING SOON!

303 Oak Hill Road Paso Robles, California 93446 arborridge@williamshomes.com

9369 Riberena Circle Atascadero, California 93422 woodridge@williamshomes.com

Join the VIP List!

805.714.3072

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Prices effective date of publication, subject to prior sale and availability. Square footage is approximate. Models do not reflect racial preference. Williams Homes, Inc. is a California Broker, License no. 01449126.

SANTA MARIA TIMES

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2016 |

Williams Homes From C6

LEFT: Williams Homes has announced that Phase 2 at its prestigious Falcon Heights neighborhood in Vandenberg Village is now selling the final view lots.

BELOW: As one of the topselling neighborhoods in Santa Maria, Harvest Glen’s selection of affordable new homes is very appealing to a wide range of homebuyers. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

LIVe WELL.

NOW SELLING!

LIVe WILLIAMS.

2 NEW NEIGHBORHOODS TO CHOOSE FROM

VA & FHA FINANCING AVAILABLE

00 1

Arbor Ridge reinvents everyday living with functional floorplans that blend the convenience of detached design with the neighborhood’s own exclusive amenities.

Woodridge highlights the low maintenance appeal of townhome living with contemporary interiors, smart living spaces and a host of modern features.

1,500 Sq Ft • 3 Bedrooms From the mid $400,000s

1,606 to 2,070 Sq Ft • 3 & 4 Bedrooms From the high $300,000s

GRAND OPENING MAY 7th!

GRAND OPENING COMING SOON!

303 Oak Hill Road Paso Robles, California 93446 arborridge@williamshomes.com 800.279.7581

9369 Riberena Circle Atascadero, California 93422 woodridge@williamshomes.com 800.701.0531

Join the VIP List!

| FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2016

SANTA MARIA TIMES

"Building Foundations.... Advancing Success"

For Your Security and Comfort ... We are licensed, bonded and insured. All Owner Operating and Tenant Security Deposit funds are kept in secure Client Trust counts. Our service areas range from San Luis Obispo County to Santa Barbara County.

We Manage ...

• Single Family Homes; and provide complete, tailored, worry free property management services. • Multi-Family Properties (Apartments / Condos); and fully understand and provide all levels of property management services specifically geared to the nuances of multi-family dwellings. • Commercial, Vacation and Industrial Properties Leasing and Management; implementing and administering programs for ongoing maintenance and repair of common use areas.

Here’s What We Do For You... • • • • • • • • • • • •

Offer competitive rates. Carefully screen all prospective tenants based on credit, tenant history and employment. Collect and account for all fees and rents and pay out exactly according to owners’ instructions. Operate a full-time bookkeeping and accounting department. Handle ALL tenant relations. Manage all necessary maintenance and repairs. Pass on all volume cost savings to owners. Provide owners with monthly and year-end statements. Send all required 1099’s to vendors. Deal only with reputable, licensed (Where applicable), bonded and insured maintenance and repair vendors. Perform regular property inspections and provide condition reports to owners. We are licensed, bonded, and insured.

Why Tenants Love Us Our state-of-the-art website and accounting program allow us to offer online payment services to our tenants. Tenants have the option to pay with a checking account debit, credit card, or cash at any Seven Eleven store throughout the U.S. Tenants also have access to an online portal to submit maintenance requests at any time, helping us to keep accurate records and follow up on needed work efficiently; which, of course, will maintain the value of your property in the long run

Getting Started with PLUS... Simply email or call one of our property managers and find out more about how we can create a management program tailored to meet your needs.

Plus Property Management Arroyo Grande/5 Cities

1176 E. Grand Ave. Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 Peggy King, Manager Email: AGoffice@plusmanagement.net 805-473-6565

Santa Maria

421 East Betteravia Street Suite 102 Santa Maria, CA 93454 Linda Kirchhof, Manager Email: SMoffice@plusmanagement.net 805-928-4320

Santa Ynez Valley

1623 Mission Drive #16 Solvang, CA 93463 Chris Obers, Manager Email: cobers@plusmanagement.net 805-688-7747

Lompoc / Santa Barbara

511 N. H Street Suite A Lompoc, CA 93436 Sara Grossini, Manager Email: sgrossini@plusmanagement.net 805-735-2492

Corporate Office

421 E. Betteravia Road, Suite 102 Santa Maria, CA 93454 Lawnae Hunter CRB, Broker/Owner Email: lhunter@plusmanagement.net

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Community

PRIDE

Health Urology Associates

“One of the things that is deeply satisfying for me is seeing people come in and say, ‘You took care of my dad’ or ‘I brought my kid to you when he needed something done.’ It’s rewarding to see these people reemerge and hear that things have gone well, and that they look back and are grateful that they were taken care of.” Dr. Craig W. Canfield, MD., Urology Associates

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| FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2016

SANTA MARIA TIMES

Dr. Canfield completed his undergraduate degree at the University of California, San Diego then completed his medical education at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas. He then attended the UCLA Medical Center to complete his surgery and urology residencies. Dr. Canfield received his certification by the American Board of Urology in 1995, 2005, and 2015.

Dr. Perkin completed his undergraduate studies at the University of California, San Diego. He received his medical degree at The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He subsequently completed his urology training at The Los Angeles County and USC Medical Center. Dr. Perkin received his certification by the American Board of Urology in 2013.

SANTA MARIA TIMES

Dr. Johnson completed his undergraduate degree in Natural Sciences at the Johns Hopkins University. He received his medical education at Cornell University and completed his surgical and urologic training at The New York Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia University Campus. He received his board certification by The American Board of Urology and became a fellow of the American College of Surgeons in 2006.

Dr. Clayton completed his undergraduate degree at the Loyola University of Los Angeles then completed his medical education at Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich, Germany. Subsequently, he completed his surgical and urology residencies at the University of Illinois Hospital and Cook County Hospital. Dr. Clayton received certification by the American Board of Urology in 1990, 2000 and 2010. He has been a fellow of the American College of Surgeons since 1993.

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2016 |

Dr. Lebed completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania. He received his medical degree at Temple University School of Medicine, and completed his Urology residency at temple University Hospital and Fox Chase Cancer Center. His fellowship training in Female Urology/Urogynecology was completed at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, Dr. Lebed received certification by the American Board of Urology in 2011. Dr. Lebed has also achieved subspecialty board certification in female pelvic medicine and reconstruction in 2013.

Dr. Klosterman completed his undergraduate degree in Biophysics at the University of California, Berkeley. Subsequently, hecompleted his medical education at the Albany Medical College of Union University, Albany, New York. Followed by the University of California, San Francisco to complete his surgical and urology residencies. Dr. Klosterman received his certification by the American Board of Urology in 1992, 2002 and 2010.

Dr. Kieley grew up in Minnesota and received his undergraduate degree in Economics from Bates College in Maine. He graduated with AOA honors from Chicago Medical School in 2008 and completed his surgical and urologic training at Wayne State University in 2013. He then completed a Urologic Oncology Fellowship with Metro Urology in St. Paul, Minnesota in 2014.

Dr. Kuntze completed his undergraduate degree at San DiegoStateUniversitythencompletedhismedicaleducation at the University of Southern California. Subsequently, he completed his surgical and urology residencies at the University of Southern California Medical Center. Dr. Kuntze received certification by the American Board of Urology in 1987, 1993 and 2004. He is a past president of the California Urology Association.

Dr. Karamitsos completed her undergraduate degree at

Occidental College in Los Angeles. She attended medical school at George Washington University in Washington D.C. and received her residency training in OB/GYN at White Memorial Medical Center in Los Angeles. She received her board certification with the American Board of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in 1995. Dr. Karamitsos has been a fellow in the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists since 1993. Her current practice is limited to gynecology only. Dr. Karamitsos joined Urology Associates in 2014. With this collaboration, Urology Associates now provides patients with the advantage of expert, coordinated care of both female pelvic health together with urologic issues.

116 S. Palisade Drive, Suite 110, Santa Maria, CA 93454

1111 East Ocean Avenue, Suite 3, Lompoc, CA 93436

1310 Las Tablas Road, Suite 201 Templeton, CA 93465

921 Oak Park Blvd,, Suite 202 Pismo Beach, CA 93449

35 Casa Street, Suite 370 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

805.349.7133

805.733.8150

805.434.1408

805.473.7818

805.541.1111

Physicians Serving from Lompoc to Templeton 00 1

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4 | Friday, April 29, 2016

Santa Maria Times

“WE TAKE CARE OF THE WHOLE COMMUNITY.” “Over the years we see a large segment of the population because unfortunately urologic conditions can affect anybody. As opposed to taking care of a certain demographic, we really help the community from civic leaders to the medically indigent.” Dr. Craig W. Canfield, MD., Urology Associates

LEN WOOD PHOTOS, STAFF‌

Dr. Craig W. Canfield, right, and Physician’s Assistant Diana, are part of Urology Associates at the Marian Hancock Medical Building in Santa Maria.

Urology Associates of San Luis Obispo: Serving the Central Coast since 1995 New technology, broad base reach those in need of care KRISTA CHANDLER Contributing Writer‌

‌The physicians, medical team and staff at Urology Associates of San Luis Obispo have been working hard to establish a presence on the Central Coast for two decades. Originally founded in 1995 in San Luis Obispo to provide high quality urology care to the area, it didn’t take long for the medical group to recognize the need for urologists in this region. Urology Associates quickly spread its roots across the Central Coast by consolidating the practices of two urologists in San Luis Obispo and a practice in Templeton. After the three practices came together, Urology Associates was able to open an office in Arroyo Grande, with an office in Santa Maria right behind it in 1997. “There was a need here for urologists,” said Dr. Craig W. Canfield, MD. “At the time that we opened the office (in Santa Maria) one of the urologists that had been here a long time had just retired, so there were only two people left in practice. We knew there needed to be more, so we saw it as an opportunity to meet that need.” With offices in Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo, Lompoc, Pismo and Templeton, Urology Associates represents one of the largest urology groups in California. The group said what sets them apart is the distinguished record of service to their patients and the medical community. “We’ve seen the practice thrive,” Canfield said. “It’s a rewarding area to practice in because we have a good medical community that’s collaborative and works well together.” Urology Associates recently saw another opportunity for growth on the Central Coast. With Lompoc’s only other urologist leaving this summer, the practice recently opened its newest office in that city.

urology. In fact, urology wasn’t even a dream for Canfield. He found his passion for the field in college. “I’ve been in urology since I trained at UCLA when I graduated in 1993,” he said. “I chose to go into urology because it was interesting to me.” “At the time I was going into urology because the field had a lot of technology that I found fascinating,” Canfield explained. “Urologists were some of the first doctors to use scopes to look inside the body. We were the first ones doing endoscopies. I thought it was fascinating to be able to deal with things without doing major surgeries.” “We still do lots of those original procedures, although the technologies have improved over the years. It’s made it fun because it’s constantly changing, there’s always some new tools, or toys, depending on how you look at it.” Canfield spoke of the rewarding nature of his practice. According to him, a lot of the conditions that are treated in his practice end up with good outcomes and many patients are able to see resolution of their problems — even those with chronic conditions can be managed effectively. “One of the things that is deeply satisfying for me is seeing people come in and say, ‘You took care of my dad’ or ‘I brought my kid to you when he needed something done.’ It’s rewarding to see these people reemerge and hear that things have gone well, and that they look back and are grateful that they were taken care of.”

A team with the tools‌

As the group has expanded across the Central Coast with offices in the most populated centers for patient convenience, they brought in specialists to their group who have had advanced fellowship training. Recently Urology Associates added a specialist who completed a fellowship in female pelvic reconstructive medicine, which is a unique skill that the medical group said was needed in this area. In addition, they added a gynecologist to the group, enabling collaboration between urology and gynecology. “There’s a lot of crossover beFinding the passion‌ While children often dream of tween urology, which does bladbeing doctors, it’s not often they der and urinary tract and also tell you they want to specialize in male reproductive medicine,

One of Urology Associates’ offices is located in the Marian Hancock Medical Building in Santa Maria. and gynecology which does the female reproductive medicine,” Canfield explained. To help with the management of their cancer patients, Urology Associates brought in the expertise of a specialist who did a fellowship in urologic oncology, bringing advanced skills in urologic cancer treatment to the table. “Working together has been really good for our patients to have that all that expertise together. Being a larger group gives us the resources to bring some of that specialty care in,” Canfield said. “Urology is also attractive to me because we combine both surgical and medical management of our patients,” he continued. “I spend some days in the office seeing patients and doing office procedures, and other days I’m in the hospital in the operating room doing surgery. It provides variety, which makes the career interesting.” Urology Associates’ website notes: “Our board certified urologists are experienced in all areas of urology including general urology, urologic oncology, urologic surgery, human sexuality, urinary control and pediatric urology. We also offer a broad array of gynecologic services.” “We see a whole spectrum of

patients,” Canfield said. He described some of the common reasons for a visit to their office: children with congenital anomalies, children and women with recurring urinary tract or bladder infections and men with fertility issues and prostate disease. In 2015, Urology Associates saw 52,059 patients across all of its offices on the Central Coast. “Over the years we see a large segment of the population because unfortunately urologic conditions can affect anybody,” Canfield said. “As opposed to taking care of a certain demographic, we really help the community from civic leaders to the medically indigent.” Canfield spoke of the enormous progress of some of the technology in the field of urology. Tools are available now that are able to treat a spread of urologic issues from kidney stones with lasers and small fiber optic scopes to cancer patients whose recovery times from surgeries have been dramatically cut back due to the advancement of minimally invasive treatments. One of the tools Canfield uses is a robotic device called the da Vinci Si Surgical System, which allows a surgeon to operate remotely while making very fine movements during surgery that previously couldn’t be maneu-

vered with such precision and control. The device features an ergonomic console, where the surgeon sits while operating and controlling a robotic arm performing the surgery, according to the manufacturers website. “It’s not really a robot doing surgery, but it’s a tool that allows surgeons to make more precise movements and also allows you to translate movements on the outside to the inside,” he explained. You (the robot being controlled) could be sewing inside, with your hands on the outside.” Without this tool, surgeons would have to resort to things like “sticks,” or very long instruments with handles, and when working with them they lack the precision and acuteness of the robotic device. Patient acceptance has been high. People have heard of the equipment, and many times they’re relieved that they can have these state of the art procedures done locally, according to Canfield. “We’ve got a good distribution of our physicians, and we’re going to continue to stay current medically and provide what we think are state of the art services for the community. “We take care of the whole community,” he finished with a 00 1 smile.

Community

PRIDE

Education

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| FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2016

SANTA MARIA TIMES

Tradition + Technology = SUCCESS Walk onto St. Mary’s School campus and you will hear laughter and cheers of excited to learn preschoolers to 8th graders led by California certified teachers. The entire class greets you when you enter their room and it is obvious this is a special, safe place for children, a school where technology and a strong academic

tradition emphasizing values and ethics come togther to develop future leaders. “My son loves going to St. Mary’s. The teachers are outstanding and everyone is so friendly. It feels like one big family.” --Kelly White-O’Neill Establishedin1938and accredited by WASC and WCEA, high academic and conduct standards

ensure an environment focusing on the student. Teachers use technology to enhance learning at all levels from Pup’s Quest in Kindergarten to 4th grade stop action movie production to digital photography in 8th grade. AppleTV and multi-platform projection systems are in every classroom. Starting in August iPads will be

St. Mary’s School Choir sings at Fiesta 2015. Students perform throughout the year at different venues.

St. Mary’s School • • • •

small class sizes safe environment accelerated math program technology enriched learning

Now Enrolling for 2016-2017 Scholarships Available Call Now! 925-6713 St. Mary of the Assumption School 424 E. Cypress Street • StMarysSchoolSM.com

provided to all students. AdvancedMathPrograms Developing strong math skills is a priority. All students participate in the international Mathletics program. High school algebra and geometry are taught. Eighth graders learn financial management. “As a parent, the most important thing for me is for my children to grow-up and become good adults. They spend more time at school than anywhere else. At St. Mary’s, they aren’t afraid to teach what is right and wrong and the value of hard work.” --Mandy Sheehy Ramirez Hands-on Science From field trips to the Dunes and Santa Barbara museums to outdoor camps and physics experiments, science is hands-on experience. Outdoor gardens and visits to farms

St. Mary’s School Kindergarteners use iPads and Pup’s Quest to learn phonics and writing.

acclaimed programs such as Zulu Dance. Values-based Learning Morals, ethics and the love for all life are infused in every subject, in every class, every day. Partnering with parents to ensure their child has the fortitude to live their values and serve as a positive role model is a top priority. “Our graduates go on to do great things from being the city mayor and local bank president to business owners and outstanding parents. You’ll find Squires at Stanford, UCLA, Cal Poly and the University of Arizona medical school,” said Michelle Cox, principal. “At St. Mary’s, technology A school of champions, the St. Mary’s School Girls Squires basketball team won their fifth straight league tournament championship in 2016. An and tradition come impressive 93 wins with only three losses in the last five years includes two together as we joyfully undefeated seasons and four regular season league championships. develop future leaders.” teach students about local agriculture. Robotics brings the thrill of competition to engineering and coding. Music and Art Students develop an appreciation for the arts. Both are taught in class and attending PCPA plays is common. Award winning performers are brought to the school and dance is taught by

Championship Sports Teams

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SANTA MARIA TIMES

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2016 |

Now Enrolling for Fall 2016 LIMITED SEATING CALL 805-348-3333

K-12 Independent/Home-Study Charter School Support Classes/Blended Learning WASC Accreditied/Tuition Free

Family - School 00 1

- Community

| FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2016

SANTA MARIA TIMES

Where Faith and Knowledge Meet SPIRITUAL

A St. Louis de Montfort student is a

Spiritual

With the parents as the primary faith educators of the child, St. Louis de Montfort Catholic School encourages students to actively and joyfully bring faith to life and life to faith. Students learn the importance of cultivating a

personal relationship with God through Catholic faith, teaching and values. We prepare them to become active members in our faith community.

LEARNER St. Louis de Montfort School has a strong student-centered curriculum that

Learner

is aligned with State Standards and Archdiocesan Guidelines. St. Louis is accredited by the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Students thrive

Determined to Make a Difference

M D L S S! K C O R

in our challenging learning environment and are held to high standards.

Technology is integrated at all grade levels, greatly enhancing student learning and increasing engagement in the learning process.

DETERMINED We promote well-rounded students determined to succeed in life. Moral development is taught, stressed and rewarded regularly through our “Chief

Example to Others (CEO)” program. Our athletic opportunities promote perseverance, good sportsmanship and teamwork.

Core subjects are

complemented by Music, Art, Hands-on Science and our Outdoor Garden project taught by specialty teachers at all grade levels.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE Students regularly participate in school-wide service projects to support

Mission Hope Cancer Center, Catholic Charities, the Alzheimer’s Association, and Josephite African schools, as well as our Parish Food Pantry to name a few. SLdM students are encouraged to use their own gifts

to help others. Our students learn to be caring, dedicated, and productive citizens and future leaders.

Learn more at sldmschool.org

St. Louis de Montfort School - Grades K-8 5095 Harp Road, Santa Maria, CA 93455 | Tel (805) 937-5571 | Fax (805) 937-3181 | sldmschool.org 00 1

Community

PRIDE

Nonprofits

LEN WOOD PHOTOS, STAFF

TOP LEFT: FedEx employee Lucy Quiterio carries a tray of food to serve to guests during the Central Coast Rescue Mission’s annual Thanksgiving meal at the Veterans’ Memorial Building in Santa Maria. TOP RIGHT: Vegetable soup made by the Lompoc Valley Medical Center is ladled into a handmade bowl during Lompoc’s Empty Bowls fundraiser for the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County at the DeWees Center.

TOP LEFT: Hundreds gather to Serve Santa Maria at many locations, most were involved in a mural project at Battles Elementary School In Santa Maria. The volunteers painted a mural of the seven continents around the world. ELISA RAMIREZ/CONTRIBUTOR

TOP RIGHT: United States Air Force Veteran Manuel Matos outside the Santa Maria Veterans Memorial building in Santa Maria. Matos graduated from CET with a certificate in computer office technology. DANIEL DREIFUSS , STAFF

LEFT: CET graduate Steven Velasquez shakes hands with CET administrators at Santa Maria Veterans Memorial Hall during CET’s 2015 graduation ceremony. 00 1

DANIEL DREIFUSS , STAFF

2 | Friday, April 29, 2016

Santa Maria Times

LEN WOOD PHOTOS, STAFF‌

VTC Enterprises client Susie McCormick, left, helps cook Taylor Sturk prepare a customer’s breakfast Friday at the “A” Street Cafe in Santa Maria. VTC Enterprises client Ashley Eurick buses tables at the “A” Street Cafe on Friday as customers enter.

‘A’ Street Cafe gaining popularity with its menu Cozy restaurant to expand hours this summer GINA KIM gkim@leecentralcoastnews.com‌

‌Hidden in the middle of one of Santa Maria’s industrial parks off Fairway Drive is a unique cafe — a small, cozy restaurant with a cheap, appetizing menu run by community members from all walks of life. The “A” Street Cafe, which is a part of VTC Enterprises, a nonprofit organization, first opened its doors to the public on July 1, 2015. Prior to opening to the public, the “A” Street Cafe was a cafeteria used for VTC employees and catering services. VTC Enterprises has been providing training services for youth and adults with developmental disabilities since 1962. The organization has various businesses that match individuals with specific jobs that best capitalize on their skills. Among such products and services VTC Enterprises provides as printing, mailing, lawn maintenance and a thrift store, catering is also a large part of the organization. “The purpose for VTC and ‘A’ Street Cafe is to not only open catering businesses, but to train individuals who have mental dis-

abilities,” said L. Erika Weber, marketing director for VTC Enterprises. “Here, they can learn all the foundation of what it takes to get into this business.” The cafe also serves lunch and dinner for the juvenile hall detention center. In 1961, a group of parents organized to obtain services for children with mental disabilities. Eight years later, with the purchase of five acres on A Street, the organization grew and evolved into a facility that focused on creating employment training opportunities for people disabilities. Thus, the Vocational Training Center was born. “Obviously, our first goal is to provide employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities,” said Weber. “Our second goal is to have a restaurant where people can come and enjoy a good meal for a reasonable price, just like any other restaurant.” “A” Street Cafe is currently open for breakfast and lunch from 6:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Weber said she hopes to expand business hours into the weekend,

as soon as this summer. There is usually a steady stream of customers during the breakfast rush from 8 to 10 a.m., followed by the lunch rush from about noon until closing. Breakfast is served all day, and fresh-baked dessert is available daily. All items on the menu are $5 or less, and each day features a different lunch special. Popular items include the breakfast burrito, hamburgers and meatloaf. “Customers can also put in to-go orders if they’re in a hurry,” said Weber. “It does get busy, and we want to get even busier.” Although it’s fairly new, Weber says that customers are starting to discover the restaurant. “We try to find jobs for everybody no matter what their limitations are,” said Weber. “Rather than focusing on their disabilities, we want our staff to capitalize on their abilities. They like to socialize, have a paycheck and be independent — they’re just like everybody else.” “A” Street Cafe is located at 2445 A St. For more information, visit the website at www.vtc-sm.org.

ABOVE: VTC Enterprises opened the “A” Street Cafe in July 2015, and the small restaurant with low prices is beginning to gain in popularity. LEFT: Chris Collihan chops celery Friday in the “A” Street Cafe at VTC Enterprises in Santa Maria.

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SANTA MARIA TIMES

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2016 |

There’s Something to “Singh” About at VTC!

he Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Queen Contest has been part of the Central Coast community for 72 years, raising over 1 Million Dollars for youth and nonprofits in our area. And VTC Enterprises has been honored to sponsor some of these excellent young women in their quest to raise money for local non-profit organizations and services. In just six short weeks in 2014, Johna Emerick raised an amazing $74,000 for VTC, the second highest amount raised that year. We were elated because not only was it Johna’s first experience embarking on such a project, it was also VTC’s first time ever participating in the Elks Rodeo Queen contest! Our sweet, hardworking Johna has a great big heart, and she gave it all for VTC and the people we serve. Johna will always be our Queen! A year later, in 2015, we found ourselves most fortunate to be sponsoring Taylor Glines, who raised a whopping $200,870 for VTC in just under 2 months! Taylor ran her campaign tirelessly, with the grace and poise befitting a queen. . . which is exactly what she became. The crowds went wild as Taylor was announced winner and received her sparkling crown. Our Taylor still sparkles and shines in the hearts of the individuals at VTC! Proceeds from the funds raised by our Elks Rodeo Queen candidates have made it possible for VTC to make some upgrades that advance our mission to assist people with

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disabilities or other barriers in choosing and achieving their life goals. We have been able to hire additional staff, purchase a new Thrift Store truck and Catering Van, and to remodel the oldest building on facility; that building has been transformed from a run-down cafeteria into a booming restaurant called The ‘A’ Street Café! And here we are in 2016, ready to plunge into another exciting Elks Rodeo Queen Contest with yet another outstanding young lady to sponsor during this, our third year of participation in the competition. Meet Ashley Singh, VTC Enterprises’ 2016 Elks Rodeo Queen Candidate! Ashley is a junior at St. Joseph’s High School who, after graduating, plans to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to study Veterinarian Science and specialize in horse chiropractic care. Ashley has been riding since she was five years old and has fallen in love with horses and all styles of horseback riding. She recently began teaching young kids how to properly care for and ride horses. Ashley believes in VTC’s mission and is excited to be working alongside us. She also has a giving spirit and is grateful for the opportunity this competition provides for serving her community. Ashley has the heart of a winner, the spirit of a servant, and a big herd of supporters already surrounding her. So jump in the saddle, folks, and help VTC make Ashley Singh the 2016 Elks Rodeo Queen!

www.vtcrodeoqueen.com or 805-928-5000.

| FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2016

SANTA MARIA TIMES

105 North Lincoln Street, Santa Maria, CA 805.928.1707 • 4460 Tenth Street, Guadalupe, CA

MISSION STATEMENT: To provide a comprehensive continuum of quality, affordable, accessible and culturally competent prevention and treatment service to youth and their families to improve the overall quality of their lives.

Children Healing. Children Hurting. There are many components that comprise the Center’s services. Child & Family Counseling • Outreach Consultant Program • Healthy Start Adolescent Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Program School Counseling Program • Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services Health Marriage & Relationship Education Program • Basic Needs Department of Behavioral Wellness • Juvenile Probation Department of Social Services Intensive In-Home Services CWS Parenting Class • City of Santa Maria • Orcutt Union School District Santa Maria Bonita School District Migrant Education

Outreach Consultants Santa Maria Bonita School District

Parent Cafe Meeting

THRIVE Santa Maria, Santa Maria Bonita School District (SMBSD), and Santa Maria Valley Youth and Family Center (SMVYFC) hosted and presented a Parent Café on the 5 Protective Factors on Tuesday April 5, 2016 at the Veteran’s Memorial Hall as one of the many activitiestakingplaceduringChild Abuse Prevention month (April). There were many local agencies and programs that came together and made this event a success. We would like to extend our gratitude to Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center staff, the

Parent Cafe Audience

Parent Cafe L-R Suguey Sanchez, Karin Dominguez, Francesca Sanchez, Ambar Moran, Rosa Lozaro and four volunteers from the Santa Maria High School Comadres

Parent Café Santa Maria High School Las Comadres members, Santa Maria Bonita School District staff, the Santa Maria Healthy Start Family Resource Center staff, and the Santa Maria Parks and Recreation Department.” The Five Protective factors have been developed to strengthen families in the areas of child development, parental resilience, social connections, social and the emotional competence of children. An overview of the 5 protective factors was presented and families had the opportunity to ask pre-selected questions and

provide responses based on their own personal experience and circumstances. The questions encouraged parents to engage in conversationswhichtheynormally may not have discuss among themselves or with others for a variety of factors and/or reasons. Sixty-two parents had the opportunity to interact and connect with other parents and learn about community resources. It was a great turn out and we look forward to sharing this experience with other families.

VISION STATEMENT: All children and their families in our community have a safe, nurturing and respectful environment to reach their full potential. 00 1

Community

PRIDE

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Industry

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SANTA MARIA TIMES

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FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2016 |

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SANTA MARIA TIMES

*May 31, 2016 5:30-7:30PM

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Community

PRIDE

Education Allan Hancock College

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2 | Friday, April 29, 2016

Santa Maria Times

‘WE’RE REALLY EXCITED ABOUT SERVING THE COMMUNITY’

LEN WOOD PHOTOS, STAFF‌

Counselor Margaret Shigenaka answers a registration question by student Jenna Ortiz at Hancock College.

Allan Hancock College offers new registration format, programs Program for high school seniors offers taste of college KRISTA CHANDLER Contributing Writer‌

‌Whether you’re looking for a place to earn a degree, brush up on some career skills, or transfer to a university, Allan Hancock College offers a spectrum of educational and career support services to our community. Everyone at Hancock works to make sure that they can provide the best quality education and access to their students. In fact, Hancock was recently named one of the top 150 community colleges in the nation by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, and is eligible for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, which recognizes community college high achievement and performance. “We have multiple roles here,” said George Railey, associate superintendent and vice president of academic affairs. “There’s students who want to transfer, students who want to gain a skill in the career technical education field and go to work, and students who want to do some update training.” “Our role at Hancock is to ensure we provide a quality education, and provide access to our students, as well as serve the needs of our community,” Railey said. With more than 400 classes offered this summer and nearly 1,300 classes this fall, Hancock has a little bit of something for everyone, and registration for both terms is officially underway.

Registration is a go‌ For the first time ever, Hancock is providing students with the ability to register for both summer and fall semesters at the same time in an effort to maximize student convenience of planning. “We decided to do registration together to make it accessible and convenient for students to plan ahead,” said Nohemy Ornelas, associate superintendent and vice president of student services. “Last year we had registration a month away from each other, so students would have to come back or go back online to register. In order to assist students with planning their future better, we decided that we would do everything we could to align ourselves with their needs,” she said. This summer, Hancock College is offering over 400 classes — about 225 at the Santa Maria campus, 130 online courses and close to 50 at the Lompoc Valley Center. The summer semester is

Counselor Margaret Shigenaka answers a registration question by student Jenna Ortiz at Hancock College. divided into five-, six-, eight- or 10-week classes. Taking summer classes is an opportunity for those who are apprehensive about attending college and want to get a taste of what it will be like, as well as those with schedules that don’t allow a 17-week course during the regular semester. “Taking summer classes gives you a jump on the fall term,” Railey said. “You can get some prerequisite courses out of the way, and start the fall semester ahead.” The fall semester will offer nearly 1,300 classes — including 200 online courses and 145 at the Lompoc Valley Center. Student Ambassadors are available to help students with the registration process, offering peer support and answering questions.

Opportunities for high school students‌ One of the many ways Hancock College aims to serve the community is by getting high school students in the area ready for college. The college is rolling out its new Get Focused, Stay Focused program for freshman coming in from local high schools. “This course has been established to help students look at career choices and develop a 10year plan,” said Ornelas. “By taking that course, it will provide the foundation they need to make informed decisions on their career paths and about their educational

goals.” Part of the curriculum of the Get Focused, Stay Focused course is exploring careers, looking at budgets and developing their 10year plan based on what the student feels is important, all using real-life examples. The students learn the importance of the decisions they make now, and how those decisions will impact what their future opportunities will be, according to Railey. Hancock College also offers a chance for local high school students to take courses and earn college credit through its concurrent enrollment and College Now programs. With concurrent enrollment being offered for the second year at eight local high schools, college level classes are taught on the students’ high school campus during the regular school day. “Students can take a college course from Hancock, right from their high school campus,” Railey said. “It’s a good deal,” he said. Classes are at no cost to the families of the student, the textbooks are free, and they graduate with a head start and earn college credit. According to Ornelas, concurrent enrollment and College Now exposes students to college at an earlier age and prepares them for college and the real world. The College Now program allows high school students to actually take courses on Hancock College’s campus, giving them a

taste of what life after high school holds should they choose to pursue higher education. “It’s a real college class,” Railey said. “It’s our course curriculum passed by our faculty. The only difference is that it’s either offered at the high school campus rather than our campus, or that they are a high school student on our campus.” “They are a college student, and the academic expectations are that they meet the standards, just like any other college student. The academic rigor is the same.”

Spotlight on programs‌ After over a year of planning and moving through the approval process, Hancock College will be adding a new program to the list beginning in the fall semester. Hancock’s Associate’s degree in Sports Medicine will provide students with the skills needed to pursue a career in physical therapy, exercise science, athletic training and other sports medicine fields, as well as the option to transfer to a university. Hancock is also one of only three community colleges in California that operates a bonded wine facility, where it sells wine made on campus by students. As the wine industry is one of the viticulture and enology program prepares students for careers in the field. Students can enroll in nearly 50

courses within the program, and learn by doing at an on-campus vineyard, and off-campus at a commercial vineyard in partnership with Kendall-Jackson Winery. And, Hancock recently began selling the wine they produce — some of the Central Coast’s finest, according to Railey. No matter what program or courses you choose, Hancock is fully equipped to handle your needs with all of the various student services departments. From initiating the application process through Admissions & Records, to planning your coursework through counseling services, to obtaining monetary assistance through Financial Aid and ultimately transferring to a university through the Transfer Center, Hancock College’s staff and faculty are committed to the success of each student that comes through its doors. “Our counselors develop individualized education plans that meet the needs of students,” Ornelas said. “They develop relationships and get to know our students, they’re making course recommendations, and helping them develop a plan that’s going to let them be successful.” “We’re really excited about serving the community,” Ornelas concluded. “We welcome students to come by who are maybe considering college, to come walk on our campus and see if there’s opportunities for us to help with 00 1 their educational goals.”

SANTA MARIA TIMES

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2016 |

Hancock students share lessons, dreams for future Each year, 11,000 students attend credit classes at Allan Hancock College. The following students are a few of the many who have demonstrated incredible skill, perseverance, and promise in their chosen majors. They embody the college motto, “Start here. Go anywhere.”

RIE WALDON

“

Hancock has changed my life. Everyone has always been so welcoming and helped me feel comfortable since the first day even when I didn’t know how to speak English. I would never be where I am today if it wasn’t for all the great people at the college.

”

“

The possibilities are there for everyone. We may fall short in life, but you can’t give up. You have to just go for it. I want to help other people keep going and imagine what’s possible, just like so many people at Hancock did for me. Hernandez demonstrates that persistence and dedication pay off. Hernandez was dismissed multiple times from Hancock for academic reasons. After battling addiction, he turned his life around. He returned to Hancock, joined the college’s Extended Opportunity Program and Services (EOPS) program, and raised his cumulative grade point average from 0.4 to 3.78. Hernandez was one of only 30 students named to Phi Theta Kappa’s 2016 All-California Academic First Team. After graduating in May, he will transfer to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo to pursue a degree in sociology.

CINTHYA ORTIZ

MATT WILLKOMM

I was born in Mexico and immigrated to the United States when I was four years old. Attending Hancock was one of the best things that could’ve happened to me. I grew academically and professionally and want to be an example of success to my siblings.

”

Ortiz is the first person in her family to graduate college, earning four degrees this spring. She currently serves as a student trustee and plans to transfer to San Jose State University to study sociology.

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Attending Hancock has been a great, affordable choice for my family. My basketball coaches and counselors helped me get the right classes I need. Now, I’m preparing to transfer and play basketball at a four-year university.

”

Willkomm is graduating this spring with a communications degree and plans to pursue a degree in business. The Arroyo Grande High School graduate was a two-time AllConference selection for the Hancock men’s basketball team. He set program records for most career three-point baskets, and most three-point baskets in a single-season.

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The Fire Academy offers a fantastic learning environment with hands-on training, state-of-the-art facility and equipment, and amazing instructors. We came in with little to no experience and now we possess a great grasp on what it takes to enjoy successful careers in the fire service.

“

The faculty and staff at Hancock take it to heart for students to ‘start here, go anywhere.’ They are proactive, encouraging, and willing to help you take that next step to achieve your educational goals. It is common for veterans to have confidence for others and not themselves. I’ve learned here that it is okay to be proud of your hard work and accomplishments.

”

After serving as a medic in the U.S. Army for seven years, Mueller came to Hancock to study nursing. Soon after, he changed career paths and decided to get a degree in sociology. Mueller, who is the interim president of the Hancock chapter of the Student Veterans of America, will be transferring to CSU-Monterey Bay to major in sociology and will minor in business marketing.

“

I respect the Law Enforcement Training Academy and staff for having such high standards. The facility we use is top notch and features the latest technology. Because all of the instructors have decades of experience working in law enforcement, they are providing invaluable insight and instruction to prepare us for our careers. It is a great program.

”

An Atascadero High School graduate, Smallwood started her professional career as a real estate agent. She transitioned to public safety a few years ago and served as a communications training officer for the Morro Bay Police Department and a community services officer with the Paso Robles Police Department. After graduating from the academy, she will become an officer with PRPD.

”

The Jenkins sisters grew up in Santa Barbara. They entered the Hancock Fire Academy together, and they will graduate together. Linnea (right) is also working on a biomedical science degree. Somersby (left) earned a culinary arts certificate prior to entering the academy.

RHONDA CANNON

“

Everything you need, it’s here. College isn’t just for young people. Hancock has changed my life. I was a stay-athome mom, and now I have a career at 65 years old! It’s never too late.

”

Cannon says taking classes at Hancock has helped her write better, listen more effectively, and live a healthier lifestyle. She plans to complete her paralegal studies certificate this summer and currently has an internship at the Law Office of Michael J. Scott in Santa Maria.

MAEGHAN SMALLWOOD

JOSH MUELLER

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”

Waldon moved to Lompoc from Tokyo, Japan without knowing English. She first enrolled at Hancock in 2012 in noncredit English as a Second Language (ESL). The next year, Waldon registered for credit-ESL classes, and the rest they say, is history. She was one of just 30 students named to Phi Theta Kappa’s All-California Academic First Team. She is transferring to UC Santa Barbara as a global studies major.

“

SOMERSBY AND LINNEA JENKINS

JEREMIAH HERNANDEZ

MICHAEL HUGGINS

“

I originally planned to join the Army after graduating from Cabrillo High School, but a football injury prevented that. My first year at Hancock has given me a second chance at my education. I’ve become more focused on my studies and have grown into a better citizen. I’ve dedicated myself to community service and to the students here.

”

Huggins is involved in several student clubs, including Associated Student Body Government (ASBG), Alpha Gamma Sigma, and Students Organizing for Advocacy and Retention (SOAR). He is pursuing a political science degree. His goal is to transfer to a UC school by fall 2017.

4 | Friday, April 29, 2016

Santa Maria Times

IMPROVING YOUR EARNING POWER

LEN WOOD PHOTOS, STAFF‌

Nursing students listen to a lecture near a teaching tool skeleton at Allan Hancock College.

‘Skills builder’ students earning more after technical classes ‘It’s not a matter of choosing between college or career, it’s choosing college and career’ KRISTA CHANDLER Contributing Writer‌

‌There’s a new group of students to add to Allan Hancock College’s ever-growing population. A “skills builder” is a student who completes less than one year of career technical education to enhance their professional skills in their ongoing field of employment at their local community college. Because these types of students do not typically earn a certificate or a degree or transfer to a university, they have not previously been counted in state and federal accountability systems. According to a new student performance measurement developed by the California Community College Chancellor’s Office, students who took career technical education courses at Hancock College as skills builders saw an average median wage increase of $5,457. Additionally, using Employment Development Department wage data and student information, the state found that skills builders who attend California community colleges experienced a median wage increase of $4,300 during the 2013-14 year. “For years, community colleges had no way to capture data for students who kept their skills current or advanced their careers,” said Superintendent and President Kevin G. Walthers. “Now, we do and we can prove these students experience significant rewards. A wage gain of $5,000 for taking courses that cost $46 a unit is an excellent return on investment.” Altogether the state collected data from about 1,800 skills builders at Hancock who were involved in 29 career technical education programs in the 201314 year. “The new measurements provide a more comprehensive view of how Allan Hancock College enhances workers’ skills, which benefits students and their employers,” Walthers said. “It’s an-

Nursing students listen to a lecture at Allan Hancock College. other tool to show how we are changing the odds for our community.” The largest median wage increase was seen in the dental assistant program at Hancock. Skills builders in that program saw a median gain of $19,231. There was a median wage gain of $17,624 for electrical engineering skills builders, while skills builders in Hancock’s fire academy saw a median wage increase of $11,423. The emergency medical services program skills builders experienced a gain of $9,808. It was found that taking at least one career technical education class led to increased wages for skills builders in over two dozen

Hancock programs, including accounting ($5,584), administration of justice ($6,962) and viticulture and enology ($6,751). Hancock College offers hundreds of career technical education courses in the upcoming summer and fall semesters that can be taken as “skills building” classes to boost their knowledge in their career field. “Hancock supports lifelong learning and professional development for everyone,” said Margaret Lau, interim academic dean. “With industry support and our CTE program advisory committees, the college ensures it is keeping up with technological advances and offering only the most

current curriculum.” “Hancock has identified clusters of courses that bring significant value to our skills-builders students,” she said. “Students can effectively and efficiently complete a handful of courses and reap the rewards. Whether it is by learning how to use Excel, improving their computer skills, mastering the latest industry standards in auto body or emergency medical services, the students are able to increase their skills and increase their employability.” From day, evening, and weekend courses occurring on-site or online, the college offers a wide selection of career technical ed-

ucation courses to better serve the needs of students, according to Lau. “For thousands of our students, it’s not a matter of choosing between college or career, it’s choosing college and career,” said Lau. “Many of our (career technical education) courses offer industry-valued certification, which documents professional development required to maintain jobs or qualify for promotions.” For further information about Hancock College’s career technical education programs, visit their website at www.hancockcollege.edu/cte or contact David Hernandez, CTE counselor at (805) 922-6966 ext. 3707.

“Hancock supports lifelong learning and professional development for everyone” Margaret Lau, interim academic dean

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Santa Maria Times

You can afford college!‌ The cost of completing general education classes at Allan Hancock College is nearly half the price of attending a four-year university or private local college. The truth is, just about everyone who wants to go to college can afford it. More than 60 percent of Allan Hancock College students receive financial aid every year. In fact, during the 2014-15 academic year, students received more than $37 million in financial assistance.

Apply!‌ Applying for financial aid is free, so students have nothing to lose, and thousands of dollars to gain. Never assume you won’t qualify for financial aid. 1. Fill out the financial aid application (FAFSA) online at www. fafsa.gov. If you complete the form online, your results will be provided in about three days; via mail, your results will be provided in about six weeks. 2. Complete the California Community College Board of Governor’s fee waiver, also known as BOG. The application is available at www.cccapply.org/ money/bog-fee-waiver. BOG eligibility can usually be determined within minutes at Hancock’s Financial Aid office. 3. Follow up with the AHC Financial Aid office to make sure the process is completed correctly. 4. Check with the Financial Aid office staff about available scholarships. The Financial Aid office is located on the first floor of the Student Services building on the Santa Maria campus. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday; and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays. For more information, call (805) 922-6966 ext. 3200, or email finaid@hancockcollege. edu.

Online learning‌ The mission of distance learning at Allan Hancock College is to provide quality online instruction that offers our students convenient, flexible opportunities to enhance learning in multiple modalities and styles that aid our diverse student body in achieving their educational goals. Online classes offer students the opportunity to enroll in courses and earn college credit. Hancock students can choose from more than 120 online classes during the summer semester, and nearly 200 during the fall term. All courses required for general education are offered online at Hancock. Nearly 20 associate degrees can be entirely or partially completed online. Five programs also offer certificates online. “In online classes, students receive content by the same instructors as they would in on-campus courses,” said Hancock Academic Dean Nancy Meddings. “Students visit a classroom via a web-based course management system. Instructors apply the same standards for success in their online

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KEVIN BOLAND PHOTOS‌

ABOVE: Hancock College’s Student Services building BELOW: Students participate in online classes at Hancock College. classes as they do in their on-campus classrooms.” Meddings said because Hancock was an early adopter of online courses, the college realized early on the importance of offering student services online. “For years the college has offered library services, tutoring, counseling support, financial aid, admissions and registration online. We also regularly train our faculty who teach online classes,” she added. “Few public colleges offer the distance learning resources we do.” As a result, a leading resource for online learning, AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org (ASO), ranked Hancock among the top five online community colleges in the nation in 2016. No other community college in California ranked in the top 18. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 12.5 percent of students nationwide are enrolled exclusively in distance education courses. Registration is still underway at Hancock for both summer and fall semesters. Summer classes begin June 6 and 13. Fall classes start Aug. 22. For class details, click the Class Search link on the college website, www. hancockcollege.edu, and search for classes beginning in March. The enrollment fee for California residents is $46 per unit, meaning a typical three-unit class costs $138. Other minimal fees apply. For registration and other questions, call (805) 922-6966 ext. 3248.

Veteran Success Center Veterans from all branches of

service, and their dependents, are welcome to seize the opportunities provided at Allan Hancock College’s Veteran Success Center. The center is the heart of the college’s veteran community, and serves as a place for student-veterans to connect, study, and pursue their educational and vocational goals. Located in the Student Center, the Veteran Success Center includes student-veteran workers, an academic counselor and financial aid staff. For more information, contact the center at (805) 922-6966 ext. 3925. The college also offers the Veteran’s Emergency Loan program Please see College, Page E6

LEN WOOD, STAFF‌

Hancock College Student Services building.

6 | Friday, April 29, 2016

Santa Maria Times

KEVIN BOLAND PHOTOS‌

The Veterans Success Center held its grand opening in September 2015.

College From E5

to students to cover immediate financial needs when a veteran’s financial aid is delayed or unavailable. For more information on the program, contact the Financial Aid office at (805) 9226966 ext. 3200.

Steps to enrollment‌ If you are interested in choosing Allan Hancock College to begin the next level of your education, use the following steps as a guide to get started. 1. Complete an online admission application—it’s free. You will receive a myHancock account username and password, including a student ID number, also known as an “H” number. You will need this information to register for classes. If you are a California Dream Act student with a government issued social security number, you may complete the online admission application. If you do not have a government issued social security number, you may complete a web form with the information needed for the college to complete the admissions process for you. You must complete the AB540 Non-Resident Exempt Waiver and bring it to the Admissions and Records office whether completing the online application or the web form. For more information go to (www.hancockcollege. edu) and select “Apply & Register”. NOTE: Students who have attended other accredited colleges/universities are required to submit all official transcripts to the Admission and Records Office for an evaluation. This also includes students that have Advanced Placement (AP), IB, CLEP, and military credit (Admissions and Records ext. 3248). 2. Apply for financial aid—it’s free (www.fafsa.gov). All students are encouraged to apply. By completing the FAFSA, you may

Jesus Sanchez shows off his scholarship awards. also qualify for the BOG, which will waive your enrollment fees. After applying for FAFSA, check your financial aid status for unsatisfied requirements/updates in your myHancock account. California Dream Act students are required to complete the Dream Act Application (dream. csac.ca.gov). The Dream Act application will also determine if you qualify for the BOG (Financial Aid Office ext. 3200). 3. Complete the online orientation. All new students are required to complete the online orientation. You will learn about student support services, college

success tips, and other important “need to know” information. To access the online orientation, log onto your myHancock account and go to your “student” tab (Counseling Department ext. 3293). 4. Complete the START placement test. Your reading, writing, and math skills will be assessed. Check out the START study guide before you test. No appointment is necessary. Know your student ID# and bring a photo ID. For Testing Center hours and link to the study guide, go to (www.hancockcollege.edu/testing_center) (Testing Center ext.

3364). 5. Complete an Academic Advising Workshop (AAW). All new students are required to attend an AAW. At the workshop, you will meet with a counselor who will assist you in understanding your assessment results, identifying your academic goal, and help you develop a first semester plan. For AAW dates, go to “Future Students” from our homepage and select “Counseling” and then “Academic Advising Workshops” (Counseling Department ext. 3293). 6. Register for classes. Log on to your myHancock account and

verify your registration date under your “Student” tab, and select “Registration Status”. Priority registration is granted for new students who complete steps 3, 4, & 5 prior to the first day of priority registration (Admissions and Records ext. 3248). 7. Pay your enrollment fees. BOG recipients are still responsible for additional fees not waived by BOG. If you do not pay your fees by the deadline, you will be dropped from your classes (Cashiers ext. 3626). For more information, visit www.hancockcollege.edu/future_students or call (805) 922-6966 ext. 3248.

FRANK COWAN‌PHOTOS, CONTRIBUTOR‌

ABOVE: With flags from several countries in the background, students listen during a class at Hancock College to prepare legal residents to take the U.S. citizenship test. LEFT: Ballet class instructor Courtney Grimnes begins her class at the Hancock College off-campus building at the Columbia Business Center. The class is part of College for Kids.

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SANTA MARIA TIMES

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2016 |

Community Education REACH YOUR GOALS Community Education provides lifelong learning opportunities to support career preparation and personal enrichment.

EARN A CAREER DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATE

Income Tax Preparation

Green Gardening

Computer Applications

Clothing Alterations/Construction

English as a Second Language

Floral Design

• Free and low-cost classes • Upgrade job skills or learn skills for the job • Classes for adults and kids you want! • Self-paced learning • Get your GED© • Guidance through • Prepare to transfer noncredit counseling to credit

• Connect with your Community • Art and photography classes • Bus trips

“I’m happiest when I’m learning and have taken classes toward earning my ESL and Computer Applications certificates… I’ll keep going, as long as it takes, to reach the goal!” —MOHAMMED SANJABI

SUMMER 2016

ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE Community Education Schedule of Classes

Registration begins May 16, 2016

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REGISTER FOR SUMMER; CLASSES BEGIN JUNE 13. Look for the summer Spectrum schedule in your mailbox! www.hancockcollege.edu/communityeducation

SPECTRUM CLASSES BEGIN JUNE 13, 2016

Allan Hancock College Community Education (Bldg. S) Para clases bilingües, refiérase a la página 9.

COLLEGE FOR KIDS CLASSES BEGIN JUNE 13.

800 S. College Dr., Santa Maria, CA 93454 | 805.922.6966 ext. 3209

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Santa Maria Times

PLAN AHEAD!

SUMMER

and

FALL

REGISTRATION

! W E N

Summer fees are due at the time of registration. Register for fall credit classes now, and you do not have to pay your fees until July 8. Students who register for fall credit classes on or after July 5, fees are due and payable by the established deadlines. Visit www.hancockcollege.edu/fees for details. Financial aid is available. Summer classes begin June 6 & 13. Fall classes begin August 22. Visit www.hancockcollege.edu/summerfall for more information.

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Community

PRIDE

Business â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;One of our key missions is to serve as the voice of our members with legislators and regulators. The more specific information we get from local businesses, the more effectively we can represent their views.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; - Glenn Morris, CEO, Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce

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SANTA MARIA TIMES

Local PODS Moving & Storage celebrates decade-long milestone >>> Page 2

Step outside the ordinary at CovenTree Old World Market >>> Page 3

Tunnell Elementary School gets makeover thanks to Zodiac employees >>> Page 4

Chamber Connection Monthly newsletter of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitors and Convention Bureau | April 2016

Upcoming Events EACH FRIDAY Build Your Business Breakfast, 8 a.m., A Street Cafe, 2445 A St. MAY 4 Annual Tourism Lunch 12 p.m., Historic Santa Maria Inn MAY 9 Transportation Committee 12 p.m., Veteran’s Memorial Hall MAY 11 Business Development Forum 11:30 a.m., Fairpark Fountain Pavilion Building MAY 18 20th District Supervisor Forum 11:30 a.m., Pea Soup Andersen’s, Buellton MAY 19 Chamber Mixer 5 p.m., Cambria Winery For more event information, visit www.santamaria.com

Board Member Spotlight Janet Silveria What is your position and how long have you been with the company? I have been in the role of President of Community Bank of Santa Maria since August, 2012, and was appointed Chief Executive Officer in January, 2015.

Santa Maria Chamber backs CalChamber’s “job killer” bill list

very year, California Chamber of Commerce releases a list of job killer bills to identify legislation that will decimate economic and job growth in California. The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce supports these efforts, and sees the importance in joining the state in educating the local community about the “business unfriendly” legislation that is out there. “Even though California is already the most regulated business market in America, there never seems to be an end to new ideas in the legislature about how to make life even more difficult,” said Glenn Morris, president & CEO of the Chamber. “We recognize that our voice alone won’t make much of an impact, so we’re proud to partner with the CalChamber and local chambers across the state to support legislation that brings relief from unneeded rules to our members and to fight back against the constant drumbeat

of bad ideas that will ultimately make business more costly, less effective, and more likely to fail.” The list of job-killing legislation, which was released March 29, continues to be updated with more bills as legislation is amended. It

knows, California has areas that are booming economically and other areas that are stagnating. Each part of California has unique problems and these job killers will negatively impact future economic growth. Whether they create barriers to

and regulators. The more specific information we get from local businesses, the more effectively we can represent their views.” Below are some of the legislation included on the list, and a full list of job killer bills can be found at www.CAjobkillers.com. •

currently includes 19 proposed bills CalChamber officials believe would have an adverse impact on California’s job climate and economic recovery. “These job killer bills represent the worst of the worst legislative proposals currently under consideration by lawmakers,” said Allan Zaremberg, President and CEO of the California Chamber of Commerce. “As everyone

providing affordable housing for workers, or increase costs for companies trying to grow or stay in business, these job killer bills should not become law.” The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce encourages our local community to stay informed about these potentially harmful bills. Morris encourages all businesses to share their concerns about likely impacts of particular bills on their business with the Chamber. “One of our key missions,” he said, “is to serve as the voice of our members with legislators

AB 2879 (Stone; D-Scotts Valley) Employment Arbitration Agreements Discrimination — Unfairly discriminates against arbitration agreements and is likely preempted by the Federal Arbitration Act, which will lead to confusion and litigation, by prohibiting an employer from requiring an individual who is a member of the military to sign a mandatory arbitration agreement as a condition of employment.

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CA Job Killer Bills Target: • • • • • •

Arbitration Discrimination Affordable Housing Barriers Increased Labor Costs Meritless Litigation California Oil Production Barriers Tax Increase

Stay informed of the latest job killer bills! Visit www.cajobkillers.com for the most up-to-date information and to learn more about current legislation that could impact jobs.

Why did you choose this profession? I honestly can’t say that I ‘chose’ banking; it’s more like it ‘chose’ me. Now, after over 30 years, I can’t believe I ever thought of doing anything else.

Ribbon Cuttings

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate ribbon cuttings for these members in the month of March.

What do you like most about your job? Wow; where do I start? As a community banker, I get the unique opportunity to mold and carry out the philosophies and policies of the bank. It goes beyond offering a service; it’s being able to have your hands in the decisions that impact your customers. That creates a strong foundation for developing long lasting relationships with your customers. For me, some of those have turned into lifetime friendships. And I get to work side by side with a great group of people who feel the same way. Again, I have lifetime friendships that started at work. It is just a unique work environment that feels more like family, and I consider myself lucky to be a part of it. We have great customer and employee loyalty, and I think it’s because, like me, they recognize it’s special.

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AMERICAN SELF STORAGE

NIYA RESTAURANT, INC.

3040 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria

205 E. Clark Ave, Old Orcutt

GENEVA FINANCIAL, LLC

CALM

2125 S. Broadway, Ste 111, Santa Maria

210 E. Enos Drive #A, Santa Maria

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Santa Maria Town Center 142 Town Center E • Santa Maria, CA 93454 (805) 922-7931

Where communities live ment. There will also be specialized personal training and nutrition programs at Crunch Fitness, along with top-of-the-line tanning beds and hydro massage.

Big plans are underway this year and nearing fruition to expand options at the Santa Maria Town Center Mall and update space for longtime tenants. Crunch Fitness finally opened its doors this month after months of preparation for a state-of-the-art facility boasting over 70 pieces of cardio equipment, a wide variety of workout machines, free weights, and group fitness equip-

Early fall will welcome more tenants as well, including Rue 21, Cotton On Kids, and a few more. On Deck Batting will undergo a relocation and renovation for a short time as they expand to bring more cutting edge equipment to help you hone your baseball and softball skills. Spencer’s Gifts just underwent a complete remodel, and has added a fresh face to its Heading into the Summer months, classic location at the center. visitors will smell the irresistible aroWith all these fresh choices, the ma of fresh baked Wetzels Pretzels wafting from the lower Center Court. mall is sure to fill up with local Just down the wing on the way to the shoppers, but have no fear, the Regal Theatre will be the fresh vibes Town Center is currently adding of Justice, a fashion forward clothing two new family style restrooms on the lower level to better serve outlet for the tweens in your life. visitors. The Santa Maria Town Elks Queen Candidate Cassandra Center is ready to welcome more Cadena will be raising funds for members of the community and Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley May 15th and May 22nd at the Santa meet their varying needs, from shopping, to food, and fitness. Maria Town Center. Join her as she sells tickets to raffle off a 2016 Jeep Wrangler! (on display at Center Court)

“Our continued goal is to create a shopping center based around the needs, wants and desires of our community and its surrounding cities.”

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Mall Hours: Monday 10AM–8PM Tuesday 10AM–8PM Wednesday 10AM–8PM Thursday 10AM–8PM Friday 10AM–8PM Saturday 10AM–8PM Sunday 11AM–7PM

| FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2016

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Humanity is the perfect remedy.

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Step outside the ordinary at CovenTree Olde World Market

lizabeth Acosta has always enjoyed attending Renaissance Fairs throughout California, but disliked coming home and being unable to find any of the products that the fairs would offer. “It was often frustrating to find fantastic pieces of art in other larger towns, but not have a store locally that offers these types of products,” Acosta explained. “I would travel from Los Angeles to San Francisco looking for items we couldn’t find here at home. Statues, books, incense, unique jewelry. I’d always get complimented on the items I would get, but could never find a place locally to get something similar.” Realizing others may share in her frustration, Acosta opened CovenTree Olde World Market. The store, located at 722 E. Main Street in Santa Maria, offers a wide selection of unique books, gift items and Renaissance-era products, and is a must-visit for anyone interested in the metaphysical or mythological. From books and statues to incense, artwork and a variety of hand-made items, CovenTree’s eclectic product line caters to anyone looking for something a little out of the ordinary. “We have so many areas of interest, that it makes it hard to say who specifically we cater to,” Acosta said. “I guess I would say we cater to the open minded.” In addition to their unique product selection, CovenTree offers a variety of classes and events that you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else locally. “We have quite the selection of classes –

yoga, crochet, tarot, drum making, chakra cleansing – the list goes on,” Acosta said. “The classes we offer reflect my own interests, as well as those who make products for CovenTree or come buy from us. We always try to cater to locals who enjoy what CovenTree has to offer.” A central coast native, Acosta has lived in the Santa Maria area all her life, and likes that being a business owner gives her a chance to give back to the local community. “We support local artists and authors by offering their items for sale at the store, and our classes are all taught by local experts,” explains Acosta. “I think it is very important to support the local community in any way I can. These are the people who support my store, and its great that I can in turn give back and help support them.” And what does the future hold for CovenTree? Acosta’s main priority is to expand their book selection and offer more new and best CovenTree Olde World Market is located at 722 E. Main Street, Ste.106 in seller titles. Santa Maria. The store features and eclectic mix of collectibles, books and gifts, “I love the gift section of the store, many of which are made locally. and will always have it, but this town needs a full fledged book store,” Acosta said. “I am working toward filling as much of business owner in the community she’s called Elizabeth encourages everyone to stop by that need as I can.” home all her life. CovenTree Olde World Market to see firsthand As Acosta looks towards the future for “I love that I have finally opened up the the products and classes the store offers. They CovenTree, she remains grateful to be a store I’ve always wanted. I love the energy, and are located at 722 E. Main Street in Santa the positive feedback I am receiving from my Maria. You can learn more on their website at customers,” Acosta said. “I really enjoy coming www.coventreemarket.com. to “work” everyday. It doesn’t feel like work, it is my passion, and that’s a pretty incredible thing.”

n New Members

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome these new members for the month of March. We appreciate their vote of confidence in our ability to add value to their business and to create a strong local economy together.

O’Connor Pest Control Kevin O’Connor 101 Cuyama Lane Nipomo, CA 93444 (805) 925-8711 www.oconnorpest.com

J. Wilkes Noemi Zendejas 2963 Grand Avenue Los Olivos, CA 93441 (805) 318-6680 www.jwilkes.com

Bien Nacido & Solomon Hills Estates Noemi Zendejas 2963 Grand Ave Suite B Los Olivos, CA 93441 (805) 318-8600 www.biennacidoestate.com

Women’s Fund of Northern Santa Barbara County Judy Martin Santa Maria, CA 93454 (805) 937-3576 www.wfnsbc.org

Renewing Members 96 years Historic Santa Maria Inn 51 years CalPortland Construction 46 years Rabobank, N.A. 45 years Santa Maria Valley YMCA 39 years Mission Linen Supply of Santa Maria 36 years Chevron Arbor Ridge Apartments 29 years Graphics LTD

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24 years American Red Cross Apio Inc. KSBY Tri W Enterprises, Inc. Nancy Paine

Dunn-Edwards Paints Tim Murray 2339 S. Broadway (opening soon!) Santa Maria, CA 93454 www.dunnedwards.com

Blum & Sons Electric, Inc. John Blum 784 Mesa Road Nipomo, CA 93444 (805) 452-8985 www.blumelectric.com

Our next Chamber member could be YOU! The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to have 800+ local businesses as valued Chamber members. As a Chamber member, you are entitled to a wide range of benefits and services, designed to help you promote, grow and improve your business, including business referrals and your business listing on our website membership directory. Learn more about how the Chamber can help you! Contact Chamber Membership Manager Cara Martinez at (805) 925-2403 x852 or cara@santamaria.com.

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is excited to recognize these partners who strive each day to create jobs, boost our local economy and build a community of which we can all be proud.

23 years Allan Hancock College City Motors Collision Center 22 years ResCare Workforce Services 21 years American Medical Response Inc. Crystal Springs Water Co. Santa Maria Arts Council Rancho Bowl 20 years Coldwell Bank - Jean Studer Amerigas Propane Klondike Pizza 19 years Tognazzini Beverage Services Hitching Post of Casmalia Pacific Christian Center 17 years WalMart #2507 The Natural History Museum 16 years Friends of the Santa Maria Public Library Valley Christian Academy & Preschool

Morris & Garritano Insurance 15 years Central Coast Sports Arena United Blood Services of the Central Coast 13 years United Staffing Associates Studio 23 12 years Air Pollution Control District 11 years American GI Forum Central Coast Remedial Resources Inc. Leona Doidge Pathpoint 6 years Flower Carriage Gifts 5 years Gold Coast Senior Options/Dementia Care Associates First United Methodist Church 4 years Newcomers Club of Santa Maria

Home Depot Nipomo Swapmeet & Mini Storage Maria’s Cre-Asian Diner 3 years Central Coast Music Academy California Hot Dog Co. Pacific Coast Excavation Inc. Ca’Del GreVino Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Railroad Blakeslee & Blakeslee Inc. Caring Hands Elderly Services 2 years IES LLC MIYB Spaces Cal-Coast Refrigeration/Modern Air Nostalgic’s Inc./Alternative Energy Solutions Jeremy Teitelbaum Communication Inner Strength Martial Arts/ Santa Maria Martial Arts 1 Year Troesh Recycling DBA Roxsand Smile Santa Maria Dental Chris’ Country Properties Bob’s Well Bread Bakery Freshcrete

| FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2016

SANTA MARIA TIMES

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Since 1979

Exceeding your expectations Call: (805) 928-4108 225 E Main Street, Santa Maria, California

Beauty, Quality, Honesty. . . life requires these things As does our store! We are so very fortune to love what we do, and having Santa Maria and the wonderful central coast to live and work in! Fischer’s is proud of the quality fine jewelry and expert repair and restoration services we offer our customers every day. Custom design and special orders are a real treat!

Custom Art Deco style ring by Fischer’s

Our work is guaranteed. We are honest. We value each customer and each other, everyone is important and we work hard to let you feel that in our store. Fischer’s believes in community and supporting local. Come by for a free cleaning, or get a new watch battery, and experience a beautiful, comfortable place to shop . . . no pressure. Our mission at Fischer’s Fine Jewelry is to exceed your expectations. To offer quality and value, whether your personal choice is simple or grand, modern or vintage. To inspire you with the beauty of nature’s gemstones, enduring metals and the artistry of design. Come and explore with us!

Peridot - simple design and color that pops!

Visit Fischer’s Fine Jewelry : Tuesday – Friday 10am to 5:30pm or Saturdays 10am to 5pm, we are closed Sundays and Mondays. Email us at fischersjewelry@verizon.net or call 805-928-4108. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!

Neil, Katherine, Ana, Stina, Emily, and Connie . . . Mahalo!

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Our home for the last 18 years

| FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2016

SANTA MARIA TIMES

1211 W Craig Dr, Santa Maria Phone: 805-349-3425 Fax: 805-349-8764 www.centralcoastpackaging.com Email: info@centralcoastpackaging.com www.facebook.com/CCPackaging

Your ONLY local source for wine crates and custom laser etching!

From corrugated cardboard to fine crystal stemware, when you do business with CCP, you know you are only getting the best. Our knowledgeable staff will find the perfect product to fit your needs, guaranteed.

P C C

Central Coast Packa kagging (CCP) iss design designed to be a full service ice dis distribu utio ion center for corruga ugatted d cartons c inc waxed wax d, dryy, and st w ry carrton ns within w a do f the Santa Sa a Maria M a are e wax and an nd distribute di ribute cartons distr c rto s for many out of town customers and can provide you with a weekly inventory, helping to manage your packaging requirements. From conception to delivery, we can help you develop a shipping container that you can be proud to sell. As an official distributor for Stolzle wine glasses, we are now offering high-quality glasses at very affordable

prices. These glas r erfect fo esta nt, ta tin oo r even e e c rr yp e ac ging. With C ou a ac acka kage yo inee botb t o hi our ur cusc to splayy in your y tomers, for display tasting rooms, and gift shops. We even offer wine packaging to take with you during travel! Our shippers come in foam and environmentfriendly recycled pulp.

We Support Team Lexi!

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